The Southern Regional Customs Directorate carried out the incineration of a large quantity of harmful and fraudulent goods and products seized during the year 2025. The operation took place at the Mamatoro landfill, in the rural commune of Emanpore.

In total, 386.5 kg of cocaine, 5,168 kg of Indian hemp, 41,064 black banknotes, an exceptional batch of counterfeit medicines were reduced to ashes.

 

This operation comes after an awareness course held for students at the Peyrissac high school in Ziguinchor on the missions assigned to the Customs Administration.

 

"We incinerated 5 tons of Indian hemp worth 500 million CFA francs, more than 5 billion CFA francs in counterfeit banknotes, and counterfeit medicines seized in the fight against transnational organized crime here at the Southern Regional Directorate. This seizure demonstrates the vigilance and strong collaboration between the various defense and security forces, including customs, the gendarmerie, the army, the police, and the forestry service in the Southern region. We are working together synergistically to combat transnational organized crime," declared Colonel Cheikh Guèye, the Southern Regional Director of Customs, whose jurisdiction covers the regions of Kolda, Sédhiou, and Ziguinchor.

 

He seized this opportunity to raise awareness among the population: "Our actions revolve around the interests of the people. That is why I am calling on all people to unite around customs and all defense and security forces."

The cremation ceremony was attended by several military and civilian authorities, including the deputy governor in charge of development. Alsény Bangoura praised the coordinated efforts of the security forces in support of local communities.

"This strong act symbolizes the commitment of the territorial administration, of the security forces of the Ziguinchor region, to ensure that our beautiful locality is not a haven for the criminal economy," he stated.

Alsény Bangoura says he is counting on the population to report any suspicious activity to the competent defense and security forces.