The Cameroonian police force is facing a scandal involving the disappearance of seized narcotics, leading to the dismissal of a high-ranking officer. Divisional Commissioner Amadou, the regional director of the Littoral Judicial Police, has been relieved of his duties by the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele. This decision follows the disappearance of a significant drug seizure estimated to be worth CFA 600 million.
According to available information, the drug shipment had been intercepted, inventoried, and registered in accordance with procedure. However, at the time of destruction by incineration, the stock mysteriously vanished. An internal investigation has been launched to determine responsibilities and identify any complicity at different levels of the hierarchy.
The case came to light thanks to the testimony of certain elements of the Judicial Police, initially targeted by disciplinary sanctions. Their accusations directly implicated Commissioner Amadou, leading to his suspension and the launch of an investigation that could take a judicial turn.
This case highlights potential flaws in the chain of custody of seals, a crucial step in criminal proceedings. Seized drugs, once inventoried, are supposed to be placed under high surveillance until their destruction, with each movement tracked and each person in charge identified. The disappearance of such a quantity of narcotics raises questions about the effectiveness of existing protocols and the possible involvement of several actors.
Beyond the ongoing investigation, this case deals a blow to the credibility of the Cameroonian law enforcement, already perceived as corrupt by a majority of the population. How can seizure operations be justified if the confiscated goods end up on the black market? Public trust is shaken, and a reform of internal control mechanisms may be necessary.
While no official communication has been made on the legal consequences of this case, it highlights a recurring problem in Cameroon: corruption within the police force. In 2023, Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index revealed that the police were considered the most corrupt institution in the country.
In February 2026, customs authorities seized nearly 2.5 metric tons of narcotics at Douala International Airport, including cocaine from Germany and tramadol shipped from India and South Sudan. This record seizure, estimated to be worth CFA 50 billion, underscores the scale of drug trafficking in the country. The Amadou case raises further questions about the integrity of the system and the need to strengthen controls to effectively combat drug trafficking in Cameroon. It remains to be seen if more heads will roll in this case.
