Several smuggled goods seized bu customs in Douala
By Ahone Heidi
State media CRTV has reported that customs authorities intercepted 16 vehicles with irregular documentation during container inspections in the port city this week. Several other illegal goods were seized.
Working alongside the National Navy, customs officers also seized 2,000 liters of smuggled fuel and 38 bales of banned non-biodegradable plastic packaging. This seizure highlights Cameroon’s ongoing struggle to enforce its environmental commitments, which include a ban on importing and using thin (less than 60 microns) non-biodegradable plastic packaging. Authorities expressed concern about the continued influx of these illegally imported goods from neighboring countries and the stockpiling by some local producers.
The intensified efforts of Operation Halcomi 3 further resulted in the confiscation of 104 bottles of whiskey, 320 cartons of low-quality wine, and 220 cartons of high-quality contraband wine at the Douala Port container terminal. It’s crucial to note the potential health risks associated with contraband alcohol due to its unknown composition and clandestine production methods.
Operation Halcomi 3, with command posts in Douala, Yaoundé, and Garoua, operates nationwide to strengthen security and prevent large-scale illicit activities across Cameroon.
Some 499,000 illegal medical tablets, 3000 bottles of syrups, a ton of non-biodegradable plastic packaging, 15 cartons of unstamped cigarettes and two outboard motors seized by the Mobile Customs Brigade of Bonabéri in Douala.
Various smuggled goods seized by customs officers from Operation HALCOMI III in Douala November 11-14, 2024. The loot consists of 539,000 tablets, 3946 bottles of syrups and 754.36 kg of non-biodegradable plastic packaging.