Customs officials in Burkina Faso have seized more than 1.31 million unauthorised tablets and 20,400 cans of alcoholic beverages concealed in trucks transporting clinker along the Cinkassé-Ouagadougou corridor.
The Director General of Customs, Yves Kafando, announced the seizure on Friday. The confiscated goods were presented to the media in Ouagadougou on October 9.
Kafando said the tablets were not authorised for sale in Burkina Faso and could pose a public health risk. The alcoholic beverages included Vody and Desperados, which are subject to a levy that supports the country’s Patriotic Support Fund, used to finance efforts to regain control of territory.
One transporter involved in the operation reportedly said he agreed to move the alcoholic beverages for 200,000 CFA francs to help repay debts incurred to finance his wedding. He said the products were concealed in a truck carrying clinker.
Kafando condemned smuggling practices that threaten public health and deprive the state of revenue. He urged transporters, importers and other businesses to use authorised professional services when moving goods.
He also announced that further results were expected from Operation Magna, a customs initiative targeting different methods of fraud.
Burkina Faso’s customs authorities said they would intensify inspections nationwide to combat trafficking and protect public revenue.
