Maputo, 31 Jul (AIM) – Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) on Thursday incinerated about 560 sacks and drums containing chemical products and raw materials intended for the manufacture of hard drugs.
The incineration, which took place in Moamba district, southern Maputo province, was carried out in coordination with the country’s Central Office for the Prevention and Combating of Drugs (GCPCD).
The substances had been seized following the arrest of two Mexican nationals and a Mozambican at Maputo International Airport, which led to the discovery and dismantling of a warehouse in Matola where the chemicals were stored.
The Mexican nationals are believed to be related to Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful organized crime organizations in the world, founded in 1987 by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
The Authorities believe that the incinerated products were intended for the large-scale production of narcotics for distribution on both domestic and international markets.
On 03 July, SERNIC incinerated 3.7 tonnes of fentanyl seized last June in a warehouse of a private company at Maputo Airport. The drugs were found packaged in 50 boxes, each containing 30 packets of 2.2 kilos, totalling 1,500 packets. This is one of the largest drug seizures ever made by authorities in the country.
At least four people, one of them a member of Mozambique’s customs authorities, have been arrested for allegedly being involved in the case.
According to official data, the authorities seized drugs worth 2.7 million US dollars in 2025. These figures represent 88 percent decrease compared to 2024.
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