In this investigation, Malagen exposes how a band of smugglers and businesspeople in The Gambia, some of them politically connected, continue to profit from the illicit trade in what has become known as blood timber.

The government is complicit. At the expense of lives and livelihoods, the presidency and environment ministry often waive the rules and authorize illegal export of timber in the name of ‘maximising revenue’ for the government.   

Timber harvested from Casamance is smuggled into the country using feeder and dirt. The Kanilai axis is said to be the most frequent.

Through undercover visits and using drones, Malagen has tracked and monitored the activities of the dealers for at least two months. We have traced at least a dozen warehouses in the Kanifing industrial area and hideouts situated in inhabited areas.

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