MALAWI’S government has arrested seven suspected drug traffickers linked to a Mexican drug cartel in a coordinated operation with United States security officials, marking a significant escalation in the country’s fight against international organised crime.
The arrests took place at Kamuzu International Airport in the capital, Lilongwe, where six of the suspects were apprehended after arriving on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. A seventh, a Nigerian national based in Lilongwe, was arrested at the airport while waiting to meet the group.
Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma confirmed the development to Anadolu Agency on Monday, stating: ‘We have established that these have links to a Mexican drug cartel. But investigations are still underway to get more details. We are very grateful to the US government for this successful security mission.’
Suspects tied to global trafficking network
According to Ching’oma, intelligence gathered with US assistance led to the operation. While specific links to the cartel remain under investigation, the arrests mark a rare instance of direct cooperation between Malawian and American security agencies in an international drug probe.
The use of commercial flights such as Ethiopian Airlines for trafficking underscores how drug syndicates are embedding operations within regular travel routes to avoid detection.
Malawi flagged as rising drug corridor
Malawi’s role in transnational drug trafficking has grown in recent years. The ENACT Africa Organised Crime Index notes the country is a key transit corridor, particularly for heroin transported from East Africa to South Africa and Eswatini. It is also used to funnel cocaine from neighbouring Mozambique into Europe and Asia through air routes.
Law enforcement officials warn that without stronger border enforcement and international cooperation, Malawi could become a magnet for traffickers seeking to exploit its geographic position and limited surveillance infrastructure.
The Homeland Security Ministry said more details would emerge as investigations progress. The seven suspects remain in custody pending further interrogation and possible prosecution.
