Bobo-Dioulasso:A significant seizure of 2,200 drums of cyanide, valued at 330 million CFA francs, was announced by the National Coordination for the Fight Against Fraud (CNLF). The incident occurred on September 15, 2026, in Bobo-Dioulasso, where the shipment was hidden under sachets of mineral water in a 10-ton truck.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the national coordinator for the fight against fraud, Dr. Mohamadi Compaor©, reported that officers from the Western Investigation and Research Brigade (BERO) were alerted to suspicious activities involving the truck's driver. The driver allegedly intended to divert the cyanide from its official destination to illegal gold miners.
Upon reaching sector 18 of Bobo-Dioulasso at around 9 p.m., officers inspected the truck and discovered the cyanide drums concealed beneath layers of mineral water sachets. Further investigation led them to a store where the total of 2,200 drums of cyanide was found.
The seizure is part of ongoing operations by BERO against fraud and illicit trade. Previous seizures include 25 bags of smuggled cyanide on August 23, 2026, near a gold mining site in Dan, and 348 cans of counterfeit motor oil on August 17, 2026, in Colma. Additionally, on August 22, 2026, agents intercepted non-biodegradable plastic bags and skin-lightening products in Bobo-Dioulasso, with these seizures valued at 4,098,000 CFA francs.
Dr. Compaor© highlighted the tax implications of illegal cyanide trade. Out of 3,600 imported drums, 1,400 were sold under questionable conditions, generating 210 million CFA francs. This led to a loss of rights worth over 35 million CFA francs and a fine of the same amount, totaling over 71 million CFA francs to be recovered.
The environmental risks of storing toxic chemicals in populated areas were also addressed. The total value of goods involved in violations from August to mid-September 2026 is estimated at 214,098,000 CFA francs. The national coordinator urged the public to report suspicious activities to authorities, providing the CNLF's toll-free number, 80 00 13, for this purpose.