Burkinabe customs authorities made an exceptional seizure of nearly 29 kilograms of gold, with an estimated value of more than one billion CFA francs, on Wednesday December 18, 2024. This operation, carried out in collaboration with the national police, made it possible to arrest three individuals who were trying to smuggle this precious metal out of the country. The alert was given by an anonymous informant who reported the suspicious actions of these individuals on board a bus linking the Burkina Faso au Togo. Customs officers, aided by police, ambushed the smugglers at a road checkpoint. During the search, officers discovered the gold carefully concealed under the suspects’ clothing.
This seizure is a hard blow to the gold smuggling networks which are rampant in Burkina Faso and which deprive the country of important resources and fuel illegal economic circuits.
Gold smuggling is a complex phenomenon which has multiple negative consequences for the Burkina Faso. In addition to depriving the State of significant tax revenue, it encourages the development of criminal activities and fuels conflicts. Profits from gold smuggling are often used to finance armed groups and terrorist networks operating in the region. By fighting against this trafficking, the authorities are therefore helping to strengthen the country’s security. The fight against smuggling is a fight that requires significant resources, reinforced coordination between the different State services and the cooperation of all. The Burkinabè authorities are determined to continue their efforts to put an end to this scourge which threatens the stability of the country. To do this, they are calling on the population to report any suspicious behavior that could be linked to this trafficking.
This operation illustrates the strict application of articles 24, 270 and 261 of the Customs Code, which severely repress smuggling and illicit trafficking of goods in Burkina Faso. Goods subject to special provisions must be accompanied by the necessary documents. If this is not the case, they are considered prohibited. Import or export titles cannot be loaned, sold or transferred. In the event of fraud, confiscation of the goods, means of transport and objects used to conceal the fraud is possible. Violators risk a fine double the value of the item and imprisonment of up to three months. False declarations, particularly regarding the nature, value or origin of the goods, are also punishable.
