Burkina Faso’s Customs Directorate has announced the seizure of fraudulent goods valued at more than CFA624 million, as part of a special operation dubbed “Market Integrity.”
Conducted over a three-week period from March 20 to April 5, 2026, the operation led to the interception of large quantities of goods intended for illegal distribution across the national territory. Seized items included sugar, cooking oil, tomato paste, spaghetti, cigarettes, engine oil, mercury, and various other products.
Customs Director General Dr Yves Kafando stated that sugar accounted for the largest share of the seizures. “More than 100 tonnes were intercepted in three weeks,” he said. Officers also confiscated 19,000 litres of cooking oil and over 46,000 litres of lubricating oil.
According to the authorities, these goods—introduced outside legal channels—pose risks to public health and disrupt market stability. Dr Kafando reaffirmed the customs administration’s determination to combat such practices, urging offenders to desist.
Also present at the briefing, the Director General of the National Sugar Company (SN-SOSUCO), Hema Djakaridia Ouattara, praised the cooperation with customs authorities. He stressed the need for tighter regulation of sugar imports to ensure product quality on the market.
He noted that domestic sugar production remains insufficient to meet demand, justifying the need for authorised imports, which must nonetheless be strictly controlled to uphold quality standards.
While commending customs efforts, Ouattara called for strengthened collaboration to more effectively combat fraud and support local industries.
Through the “Market Integrity” operation, Burkinabè authorities aim to intensify the fight against commercial fraud, in a context marked by efforts to promote domestic production. The objective is to protect local businesses and ensure a sound economic environment.
HO/te/lb/as/APA