Police in Kayes arrested six people suspected in illicit human blood trade, after a bag of blood of unclear origin was found.
The arrests took place on August 21, 2026, under the direction of Superintendent Lassana Diakité, head of the special police station of the Kayes railway.
The operation, named “Kokadjè,” was launched after authorities found a bag of blood intended for a patient scheduled for dialysis treatment.
Those detained are identified as O.S. (54), A.C. (57), F.K. (42), A.D. (20), S.O.T. (26), and Y.M. (34).
Preliminary findings point to a profitable scheme involving the collection and resale of blood, with prices reaching up to 55,000 CFA francs per bag and 16,000 CFA francs per collection.
The suspects have been placed at the disposal of the judiciary, and investigations are continuing to identify any additional accomplices.
Superintendent Diakité stated that the operation reflects the National Police’s ongoing commitment to fighting crime, in line with directives from the Director General of the National Police, Police Controller General Youssouf Koné, and with the support of the Minister of Security and Civil Protection.
He also commended his teams for their work and urged the public to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious behavior to the National Police’s toll-free number, 101.
Source: Mali 24