Reports Accuse Al-Dagalo Network of Trafficking in Hallucinogenic Pills and Weapons in Darfur

Local residents in the town of Tullus, about 90 km southwest of Nyala in South Darfur, reported widespread trafficking of narcotic pills, hashish, and weapons in a marketplace locally known as “Colombia Market” south of the main commercial area.

A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, told Darfur24 that the Columbia Market, located north of Al-Amara and southeast of Al-Shawayat butcher shop, has become a hub for outlaws and dealers of marijuana, narcotics, and hallucinogenic pills, in addition to the trade in various types of weapons and ammunition.

He said that some influential figures within the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia imports narcotic pills from the Forubernga area, while others bring marijuana from Al-Radoum and neighbouring areas for sale in the market.

Residents say the market poses a growing threat to community security, citing repeated violent incidents, including multiple stabbings. Although authorities have conducted several raids and detained suspects, locals report that many were later released and resumed operations. The majority of the market’s patrons are said to be youths between the ages of 15 and 30, raising further concern about social and security impacts.

He added, “When you enter the market, you feel like a stranger, with people wearing military uniforms and turbans, others haggling over the sale and purchase of weapons, and some smoking marijuana in the middle of the market, where tea vendors operate from makeshift stalls set up specifically for that purpose.”

Abu Issam, a local resident, told Darfur24 that the market has become a major threat to the people of Tulus due to crimes occurring there, the most recent being three stabbings. He confirmed that authorities have raided the market several times and arrested some traders, but they were later released and returned to their activities without deterrent. He noted that the market contains various types of drugs, narcotic pills, weapons, and ammunition, and that most of its patrons are young people between the ages of 15 and 30, making it a source of risk to the security and stability of the region.

A source within the so-called civilian administration of the militia in South Darfur, who requested anonymity, stated that drug markets have become a major threat to society due to crimes recorded in 2025. He reported that the cities of Tulus, Buram, Kass, and Nyala are among the most active areas in trafficking drugs, narcotic pills, and weapons, particularly in the livestock market, Al-Geneina bus station, and the Columbia Market in the popular market, as well as the Columbia Markets in Tulus, Buram, and Kass.