Burkinabe Faso’s customs authorities seized illegal goods worth an estimated 4.77 billion CFA francs in 2024, according to official data.
As part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorist financing, Burkina Faso’s customs officers announced a record seizure of illicit products.
“Among these illegal goods, 3.4 billion CFA francs come directly from trafficking operations that fund terrorism,” the customs service stated.
The seizures covered a wide range of prohibited items, including over six tons of Indian hemp, 30 kg of marijuana, and more than 14 tons of smuggled cigarettes.
Additionally, more than 118 tons of banned pharmaceuticals, with a market value of 1.25 billion CFA francs, were confiscated—bringing the total value of drug-related seizures to over 2.3 billion CFA francs.
“These substances are a major source of funding for armed groups, making their interception all the more critical,” explained Burkina Faso’s Customs Communication Office.
On the security front, customs officers seized 11 AK-47 assault rifles, 5,125 rounds of ammunition, and 76,715 explosive sticks, with a combined value exceeding 179 million CFA francs.
They also confiscated 9,360 detonators and 425.5 rolls of detonating cord, all of which were likely intended for terrorist attacks or acts of sabotage.
Authorities further intercepted materials used in the illegal exploitation of natural resources, often controlled by armed groups. These included over 203 tons of cyanide, 1,284.5 kg of mercury, and 98 tons of fertilizer.
Additionally, the seizure of 24,425 liters of contraband fuel, worth 23.58 million CFA francs, dealt a “significant blow to clandestine networks that rely on it to sustain their operations,” customs officials noted.
By disrupting these revenue streams, authorities believe they are “weakening armed groups and strengthening national security.”
To further this effort, customs authorities have called for increased vigilance and enhanced cooperation with security forces.
DS/te/sf/lb/as/APA