TEHRAN – Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana has voiced the country’s willingness to benefit from Iran's anti-narcotics police expertise in the fight against drugs.
AfricaOne
Burkina Faso has announced a renewed push to combat drug trafficking by seeking advanced cooperation with Iran, a country widely recognized for its extensive experience in anti-narcotics operations. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said his government is eager to tap into Iran’s technical capacity, training systems, and specialized tools as the West African nation works to curb the rising influence of drug cartels in the region.
During high-level discussions in Tehran, both countries explored a partnership that would include training Burkinabe officers in modern drug detection techniques, access to advanced laboratory technology, and the deployment of narcotics detection dogs to strengthen frontline policing. Minister Sana emphasized that Burkina Faso needs stronger operational skills and better-equipped units to match the sophistication of criminal networks expanding across the Sahel.
Iran expressed readiness to support this initiative, noting that drug trafficking has evolved into a global security threat that no nation can tackle alone. Iranian officials highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing, coordinated law enforcement strategies, and investment in forensic capacity - areas in which Iran has built considerable expertise over decades of combating major trafficking routes.
For Burkina Faso, this marks a broader shift toward forging more international alliances to reinforce national security amid internal and regional instability. By deepening cooperation with countries that have demonstrated success in anti-narcotics operations, Ouagadougou hopes to improve border control, dismantle trafficking channels, and strengthen community protection against the social damage caused by drug abuse.