Customs authorities in Senegal have seized counterfeit medicines and illegal drugs worth an estimated 523 million CFA francs ($836,000) in multiple operations across Fatick, Kaolack, and Blaise Daigne International Airport in Diass (AIBD), according to the General Directorate of Senegalese Customs.
The operations were part of targeted efforts to combat trafficking in prohibited goods. The Customs Division reported that the operations took place at AIBD and in the regions of Kaolack and Fatick.
A major part of the haul came from the Kaolack Subdivision, where customs officers seized counterfeit medicines and HCL drugs valued at 523 million CFA francs. The counterfeit medicines alone were worth 232 million CFA francs ($371,200).
These seizures resulted from operations carried out by the Customs Brigades in Keur-Ayip, Kaolack, Pont Serigne Bassirou Mbacké, and Saboya under the Kaolack Subdivision.
On October 29, 2024, the Keur-Ayip Customs Brigade seized four kilograms of capsules that tested positive for 4-Bromo-2-5 dimethoxyphenyl ethylamine HCL, a narcotic drug. The value of this seizure was estimated at 291 million CFA francs.
In another operation, the Foundiougne Customs Maritime Brigade, operating under the South Coast Subdivision, seized 59 boxes of counterfeit medicines weighing 881 kilograms off the coast of Djinack on November 12, 2024. The seized medicines were valued at 108 million CFA francs ($172,800).
Authorities also confiscated a pirogue and two engines, arresting two individuals who were handed over to the Fatick Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Meanwhile, at AIBD, Customs officials discovered 2.7 kilograms of cannabis, valued at over 12 million CFA francs ($19,200), on November 6, 2024.
The drug had been concealed in a shipment declared as Bluetooth speakers. Customs officers successfully foiled the deception through surveillance measures and arrested two individuals—one Senegalese and one foreign national—during a follow-up controlled delivery operation.
These seizures are part of the government’s effort to protect public health by preventing the distribution of counterfeit medicines and illegal drugs, which can cause severe health risks and undermine trust in healthcare systems.
It is also part of efforts to combat illicit trafficking to support legal businesses and promote consumer confidence in legitimate markets.
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