Illegal gold mining represents a serious challenge for Burkina Faso, as well as its neighbors Ghana and Mali.
According to a SWISSAID report released this year, Africa is losing billions of dollars due to gold smuggling.
Between 2012 and 2022, the UAE imported 2,569 tonnes of gold undeclared for export by African countries, worth more than $115.3 billion.
Faced with these colossal losses, several African countries are strengthening their measures to combat illegal trafficking in natural resources.
In this context, Burkinabe customs made a major seizure this Tuesday, December 17, 2024. They posted the information on Facebook this Wednesday, December 18.
In Burkina Faso, customs intercepts 3 individuals with 28.6 kg of gold
In Bittou, agents, in collaboration with the National Police, intercepted three individuals carrying 28.6 kg of gold hidden in their clothing, with an estimated value of 1.43 billion FCFA.
This intervention was possible thanks to an anonymous tip reporting suspicious passengers on a bus heading to Lomé, Togo.
After discreet surveillance, the suspects were arrested at the Cinkansé checkpoint. The gold, transported without legal documents, was confiscated, and the individuals handed over to the competent authorities.
This seizure is part of the strict application of articles 24, 270 and 261 of the Burkina Faso Customs Code, providing for severe sanctions against smuggling.
The Director General of Customs welcomed this exemplary operation. He reaffirmed the authorities' commitment to protecting national resources.
To conclude his remarks, he called for close collaboration with citizens to combat illicit activities.
In a context where gold trafficking constitutes a major economic threat, this action demonstrates the determination of the Burkinabè authorities to guarantee legal and transparent exploitation of natural resources, essential to preserve the national economy.
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