customs announce “record” seizure of fake drugs

Hundreds of boxes of fake drugs, worth an estimated 1.7 million euros, were seized this week by Senegalese customs in the Thiaroye area (west), they announced in a press release on Sunday.

This “record” seizure, according to the press release, was valued at 1.15 billion CFA francs (1.7 million euros).

“Dozens of packages and hundreds of boxes and boxes containing various types of drugs” were seized by a mobile customs brigade, according to this press release sent to AFP.

The operations, “aiming to close the networks of receivers and sponsors of this criminal traffic”, took place on May 24 and 25 between the maritime areas of Thiaroye-Guédj and the Thiaroye-Gare district, the statement said.

“A vehicle + luggage taxi + stuffed with suspicious packages” was first intercepted on the night of 24 to 25 in Thiaroye-Guédj, allowing the arrest of two individuals.

“Checking the packages revealed that these are large quantities of drugs whose packaging and humidity leave no doubt that the goods were first transported by sea”, add the customs.

Among these fake drugs were analgesics, antacids, anti-inflammatories, anti-diarrheals, antibiotics, antimalarials, antifungals, anti-anaemics or even aphrodisiacs. “The investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.

The customs administration also calls on the Senegalese population “to be more vigilant”.