Burkina faso: In an assertive crackdown on illegal trade activities, the National Coordination for the Fight Against Fraud (CNLF) announced the seizure of contraband goods valued at 86,430,000 CFA francs. These operations were conducted between August 24 and September 10, 2026, across various locations in the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the most significant seizure in terms of potential danger occurred on September 5 near the Sankaryar market. Authorities discovered 2,046 sticks of explosives and 32 rolls of detonating cords, valued at 10,600,000 FCFA, hidden in bags of fertilizer within a shop. CNLF coordinator Mohamadi Compaor provided details of this operation during a press conference.
On the night of August 24-25, authorities intercepted 1,000 cartons of Faxe brand drinks aboard two minibuses between Tenkodogo and Koupla, with an estimated value of 19,200,000 FCFA. This was one of several high-profile operations conducted over this period.
Further operations were carried out on August 28, when seven cartons of cigarettes and 51 cartons of shisha products were seized in the Samandin district of Ouagadougou. These items were concealed within a truck's cargo, estimated to be worth 13,785,000 FCFA.
In Saaba, on September 3, 33 cartons of smuggled cigarettes were discovered in a store, with a value of 4,125,000 FCFA. Additionally, on the Koupla-Tenkodogo road, two separate operations led to significant seizures. On September 9, 600 cartons of Faxe beer, 500 cartons of Codys beer, and 100 cases of ChSteau de France wine were confiscated, totaling 19,520,000 FCFA. The following day, another 1,000 cartons of Faxe beer, worth 19,200,000 FCFA, were seized.
Dr. Mohamadi Compaor, addressing the press, emphasized the CNLF's determination to combat illicit trafficking, which poses significant obstacles to Burkina Faso's economic and social development. He highlighted the security threats posed by the clandestine transport of explosives, noting its potential to facilitate terrorism.
Reaffirming the CNLF's commitment to ongoing efforts, Dr. Compaor paid tribute to the dedicated agents involved in these operations, underlining their crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of smuggling activities on national security and development.