Interpol investigates Air Sénégal crew over alleged smuggling operation
An internal disciplinary matter has escalated into a full-scale international investigation at Air Sénégal. The national carrier is now the focus of a probe into an alleged goods trafficking scheme involving members of its cabin crew, including flight attendants and stewards.
How the alleged network operated
Investigators believe that employees transported merchandise for payment on behalf of a company registered in France. The inquiry aims to clarify how the network functioned, identify those involved, and determine the scope of the operations. Among the items reportedly carried were car bumpers, oversized luggage, and other packages handled under similar arrangements.
The milk pot incident
One episode in particular has drawn the attention of investigators: a flight attendant who agreed to carry a pot of milk from Paris. According to the account, a colleague put her in touch with a person responsible for handing over the container. After taking possession of the item, she opened it as a precaution and discovered a suspicious product, later confirmed to be hard drugs.
Key witness and missing contact
Questioned as part of the case, the flight attendant provided the phone number of the person who had given her the package. However, that contact has since become unreachable. Investigators are now working to trace the handover and establish individual responsibilities.
Air Sénégal’s response and precautionary measures
The airline’s management, which has confirmed being officially notified, has taken precautionary measures regarding the cabin crew assigned to the Dakar–Paris–Dakar route. On the flights concerned, these staff members reportedly did not hold the security clearance mentioned in the case file.
The company rejects any purely financial explanation for the practices under scrutiny. Sources close to the management point to staff pay levels and suggest that certain parallel commercial activities go beyond a simple search for extra income. These assertions reflect the management’s position and do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
A precedent from New York
The case echoes an earlier dossier involving goods shipped from New York. Thirteen flight attendants and stewards were cited at the time, with alleged payments calculated per suitcase. Flight restrictions were imposed before their reinstatement.
Awaiting the investigation’s conclusions
Management says it is waiting for the results of the investigations before deciding on any definitive sanctions.