Interpol launches targeted probe into Air Senegal flight attendants and stewards
Interpol has initiated a formal investigation into Air Senegal, focusing on suspected smuggling activities involving flight crew members on international routes between Dakar and Paris. The inquiry, launched following a pattern of irregular cargo transport, seeks to uncover the full scope of the alleged operation, identify key players, and assess the airline’s internal oversight failures.
Mystery milk can reveals suspected drug smuggling operation
One incident has become central to the investigation: an Air Senegal flight attendant who agreed to carry a sealed container of milk from Paris. According to internal accounts, a colleague connected her with a third party who provided the item. Suspicious, she opened it during the flight and discovered a suspicious white powder—later identified as a hard drug. After landing in Dakar, the attendant handed over the contact number of the individual who handed her the package, but the number has since become unreachable.
The investigation team is now working to trace the origin of the package, the individuals involved in its transfer, and the broader logistics of the alleged smuggling network operating within the airline’s ranks. No formal charges have been filed, and Interpol has not yet made public statements regarding specific substances or quantities recovered.
Airline confirms investigations and takes immediate precautionary measures
Air Senegal has acknowledged the probe and confirmed that it has been officially notified by judicial authorities. In response, the airline has temporarily suspended several flight attendants and stewards from the Dakar–Paris–Dakar route. A key concern highlighted in the inquiry is that these crew members reportedly lacked surety qualifications—the specialized training required for handling sensitive cargo—raising serious questions about security protocols and oversight.
The company has stated that it is awaiting full findings before determining disciplinary or legal consequences. In a statement to internal leadership, it emphasized that the suspected activities go beyond simple financial opportunism, suggesting deeper systemic issues involving recruitment, performance incentives, and external partnerships.
Pattern of irregular cargo transport uncovered
This is not the first time Air Senegal’s flight personnel have faced scrutiny over unauthorized cargo handling. In a related 2025 incident, authorities investigated the transport of merchandise from New York, involving thirteen crew members who allegedly received payments per suitcase delivered. Several involved staff were temporarily grounded before later reinstatement pending further review.
While the airline insists it does not condone such practices, internal sources indicate that some staff may have participated due to financial pressures or unclear incentive structures. However, the company has not provided specific details on salary levels or incentive programs, and all assertions remain uncorroborated until the investigation concludes.
Next steps: tracing networks and assessing accountability
Interpol’s team is reconstructing the movement of goods across multiple flights, analyzing passenger manifests, baggage records, and communication trails. The investigation aims to determine whether this was an isolated incident involving a few individuals or a larger, organized scheme facilitated by weaknesses in security screening and crew accountability.
Until all evidence is examined, the future of the implicated crew members—and potentially the airline’s reputation—remains uncertain. The probe raises broader concerns about the vulnerability of West African airlines to infiltration by smuggling networks, highlighting the need for stricter compliance with international aviation security standards.
