Burundian police concluded the USALAMA 12 operation on 9 October 2026, targeting illicit trade across the country. Authorities conducted the enforcement actions between 5 October and 9 October 2026. During the operation, police seized quantities of cannabis in a series of targeted enforcement efforts. Officials arrested three narcotrafiquants in connection with the cannabis seizure. These individuals remain in custody as the investigation into the illicit shipments continues. Law enforcement units concentrated their activities on disrupting supply routes used by traffickers during the five-day period. The operation represents the latest effort by Burundian authorities to curb the movement of illegal substances within the national borders.
Drug Seizures and Field Destruction
Police units destroyed a 1.5-hectare field containing 15,000 cannabis plants within Ruvubu National Park in Gitega province. Officers targeted this specific cultivation site as part of the broader effort to eliminate local production hubs. Authorities calculated the total value of all narcotics and drugs seized during the USALAMA 12 operation at 60,235 US dollars. This valuation includes both the intercepted shipments and the eradicated plants discovered throughout the enforcement period. Police personnel completed the destruction of the Ruvubu National Park field on 9 October 2026. The operation remains the primary source for these seizure statistics as investigations continue into the identified trafficking networks.
Illicit Goods and Market Enforcement
Authorities seized 2,550 liters and 110 flacons of illicit or expired medicines in the markets of Buhumuza, Bujumbura, and Gitega. In the provinces of Burunga and Butanyerera, law enforcement confiscated or destroyed 4,183 liters and 120 cartons of prohibited alcoholic beverages produced locally. Emmanuel Ndayiziga, général major de Police et inspecteur général adjoint de la police nationale burundaise, stated: "4183 litres et 120 cartons de boissons prohibées produits localement avec un pourcentage d’alcool très élevé ont été saisi et/ou versées par terre dans les provinces de Burunga et Butanyerera". Additionally, officers seized 144 non-cleared pagnes in Buhumuza province. Police officials determined the total value of these seized illicit goods, excluding drug-related items, reached 23,522.24 US dollars.
Human Trafficking Rescue and Prosecution
Police personnel arrested 43 suspects as part of the enforcement actions conducted during the USALAMA 12 operation. Following these detentions, authorities opened 31 judicial files regarding the possession and distribution of illicit goods.
In a separate enforcement action, officers rescued two victims of human trafficking in Burunga. Both individuals were under 17 years old at the time of their recovery. Law enforcement discovered the victims while they were being transported toward Tanzania for the purpose of agricultural labor. These cases are now part of the ongoing legal processes managed by Burundian authorities following the conclusion of the operation on 9 October 2026. The investigation into the networks facilitating this movement remains active.
Official Statements on Ongoing Investigations
Police officers seized 361.5 kg of cannabis during operations conducted in the Bujumbura and Burunga provinces. Emmanuel Ndayiziga, général major de Police et inspecteur général adjoint de la police nationale burundaise, stated: "361,5 kg de cannabis ont été saisis dans les provinces Bujumbura et Burunga et trois narcotrafiquants ont été interpelés". Regarding the ownership of these seized narcotics, Emmanuel Ndayiziga noted: "Le propriétaire n’a pas pu être identifié sur le champ mais l’enquête judiciaire a été ouverte."
Authorities also provided further details concerning the two victims rescued in Burunga. Emmanuel Ndayiziga confirmed the circumstances of their discovery, stating: "Elles étaient des enfants de moins de 17 ans conduit vers la Tanzanie pour les travaux champêtres". These judicial investigations remain active following the operation's conclusion.
