Trilateral Planning Cell

Countering drug trafficking and transnational organised crime in the region.

The Republics of South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania are experiencing a large flow of heroin and methamphetamine via the Southern Route, originating from the northern area where the overwhelming majority of global opium is produced.

Heroin is shipped by means of dhows, crossing the Indian ocean and transiting the coast line to the trilateral states, thereafter to a number of diverse destinations but primarily to the most lucrative markets.

Organised crime groups take advantage of porous borders and lack of maritime surveillance to pursue their illicit activities. The Southern Route relies primarily on maritime trafficking, however land and air transport is used once ashore.