The authorities in Burkina Faso have announced the dismantling of an international network for the illegal sale of abortion drugs operating from the capital, Ouagadougou. The network was using social networks and delivery services to distribute banned pharmaceutical products, thereby endangering public health.
According to the national police, the operation led to the arrest of three active members of the network, including medical workers and intermediaries. The police also seized a large quantity of illegal abortion drugs. Initial investigations reveal that these products were transported from a neighbouring country by couriers before being redistributed locally.
The network used social networks to promote its services. Customers could place orders online and make payments via electronic platforms. The drugs were then delivered in sealed parcels, avoiding routine checks. This sophisticated modus operandi allowed this illegal activity to flourish for some time before the police intervened.
The sale of abortifacient drugs without medical supervision poses serious health risks for users. These products, which are often of dubious quality, can lead to serious or even fatal medical complications. The authorities in Burkina Faso would point out that abortion is strictly regulated by law and can only be carried out under medical supervision in very specific circumstances.
This dismantling highlights the scale of the illegal trade in medicines in the region. The authorities are calling on the public to report any suspicious activity and are reminding people of the importance of obtaining medicines only from authorised sources.
This case also highlights the role of social networks in facilitating such criminal networks, prompting the authorities to step up their digital surveillance to prevent further offences. Burkina Faso, which faces numerous security challenges, is thus demonstrating its determination to combat criminal networks that jeopardise the health and safety of its citizens.
About the author
