Burkina Faso: 1.31 million unlicensed tablets and 20,400 tins of alcoholic drinks seized by customs
Burkinabe Customs carried out a major seizure on the Cinkassé–Ouagadougou corridor. The Director General of Customs, Yves Kafando, announced on Friday, October 10, 2026, the seizure of more than 1.31 million unapproved tablets and 20,400 cans of alcoholic beverages, hidden in trucks transporting clinker.
These illicit products were presented to the press on October 9 in Ouagadougou. According to Mr. Kafando, the tablets, which are not authorized on national territory, posed a risk to public health.
The seized beverages, including cans of Vody and Desperados, are subject to the levy for the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP), which helps finance operations to reconquer the territory.
A transporter involved in the trafficking explained that he had agreed to transport the cans for a payment of 200,000 CFA francs in order to repay debts contracted to finance his wedding.
“I took this so I could settle my debt and sleep peacefully,” he said, explaining that he had hidden the beverages in his truck loaded with clinker.
The Director General of Customs denounced persistent practices that undermine the mobilization of public revenue and endanger populations.
He called on transporters, importers, and economic operators to use professionals to transport their goods.
Kafando also announced the upcoming results of Operation “Magna,” which aims to dismantle several fraud strategies.
Customs reaffirmed their determination to intensify controls across the entire territory in order to fight trafficking and preserve state revenue.
About The Author
