Crime in Mauritania

Since Oct. 2022 the U.S. Department of State advises to reconsider travelling to Mauritania. It warns: ''Violent crimes, such as mugging, armed robbery, and assault, are common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.''

''Criminal activity in Nouakchott continues to rise. A number of homes and private individuals, including U.S. citizens, have recently been targeted by violent criminals. In Nouakchott, armed robberies and burglaries are occurring at homes as well as on busy streets in broad daylight. Some of these incidents have been violent, and the use of knives and other weapons is becoming more common.''

In August 2007, Mauritanian police discovered 860 kilograms (1,896 lbs.) of cocaine concealed beneath rice sacks in a stationary minibus, marking the country's largest drug seizure. The country was reported to have emerged as a key transit point for Colombian cocaine destined for lucrative markets in Europe, where the illicit use of the substance was escalating.