Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Camp Pénal, the infamous prison in Dakar’s Liberté 6 district, was rocked by a mutiny on Wednesday morning following a search that led to the discovery of Indian hemp hidden in inmates’ mattresses.

The unrest began when prison guards conducted a routine search and found the illicit substance. According to multiple witnesses, tensions escalated rapidly as tear gas grenades and rubber bullets were used to quell the disturbance.

Prisoners, agitated by the search and the subsequent burning of their mattresses, demanded the intervention of the Minister of Justice. They accused the guards of using excessive force and called for higher authorities to address their grievances.

A source close to the Senegal Prison Administration confirmed that Indian hemp was found in the mattresses and justified the search as a lawful measure to maintain security. The source emphasized that the burning of the mattresses was necessary to eliminate the contraband.

Inmates, however, insisted that the guards’ actions were heavy-handed, sparking the violent confrontation. The chaotic situation prompted a visit from the Minister of Justice, Ousmane Diagne, who arrived at the prison shortly after the mutiny was reported.

While Minister Diagne has yet to issue a public statement, his presence seemed to help bring the situation under control. The aftermath of the mutiny is still being assessed, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.