Burkina Faso Customs Seize 100 Barrels of Cyanide Hidden in Truck Load

West Africa WeeklyNovember 10, 20251 Mins read2

Customs authorities in Burkina Faso have seized 100 barrels of cyanide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in illegal gold mining operations, officials said on Friday.

According to the Burkina Information Agency (AIB), the dangerous cargo was hidden beneath empty sacks in an apparent attempt to evade inspection. The seizure was made during a routine customs operation on one of the country’s main trade routes.

In a statement, customs officials described the discovery as “an insidious threat against our security, our water resources, our fish and wildlife, and the very future of our country.”

The transport of cyanide in unregulated conditions poses severe environmental and health risks, especially in a country where illegal artisanal mining often involves the uncontrolled use of toxic substances. Authorities have not yet revealed the origin or intended destination of the shipment, but an investigation is underway.

The seizure underscores growing concerns about the trafficking of chemicals used in gold extraction across the Sahel region. Burkina Faso, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has struggled to regulate small-scale mining, where cyanide and mercury are often used illegally to extract gold from ore, resulting in soil and water contamination.

Officials say tighter border surveillance and environmental policing are being reinforced as part of efforts to curb the trade in hazardous materials.