US Court Sentences Son of Guinea-Bissau's Ex-President for Drug

Malam Bacai Sanha Jr, the son of Guinea-Bissau’s former president, has been sentenced to over six years in prison by a US court for his involvement in an international heroin trafficking operation. The 52-year-old was found guilty of leading the trafficking ring, with authorities revealing that he intended to use the proceeds to finance his aspirations of orchestrating a coup to become the president of Guinea-Bissau.

Sanha Jr’s father, Malam Bacai Sanha, served as the president of Guinea-Bissau from 2009 until his passing in 2012. Sanha Jr’s connection to a failed coup attempt in February 2022 further underscored his involvement in illicit activities. Following his arrest in Tanzania and subsequent extradition to the US in August 2022, Sanha Jr stood trial and eventually pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to illegally import drugs.

Described by FBI agent Douglas Williams as more than just a typical drug trafficker, Sanha Jr’s motivations were driven by a desire to establish himself as a political leader. He allegedly sought to use the drug trade to finance his bid for power in Guinea-Bissau, intending to create a regime that profited from narcotics.

Sanha Jr’s illicit activities extended beyond Guinea-Bissau, with allegations of importing heroin from various countries into Portugal and facilitating drug trafficking routes to the United States. Despite his sentencing, US authorities have indicated the possibility of deporting him after serving his prison term, as he is not a US citizen.

Known as “Bacaizinho” in Guinea-Bissau, Sanha Jr held significant roles within the government, including serving as an economic adviser to his father. He confessed to being directly involved in the attempted coup to overthrow President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in 2022, which resulted in multiple casualties.

Guinea-Bissau has long been recognized as a major hub for drug trafficking, particularly cocaine destined for Europe from Latin America. This reputation has led to international designations of the country as a “narco-state,” highlighting the pervasive influence of drug traffickers within its political landscape. The presence of powerful drug networks has often intertwined with government affairs, with traffickers providing financial support to politicians sympathetic to their interests.