(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon’s customs officials seized illicit goods worth CFA8 billion between January and September 2024, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute reported. He made this public on December 1 during the presentation of the government’s economic, financial, social, and cultural program for 2024 at the National Assembly.
“The customs administration has intensified efforts to combat illegal trade and organized transnational crime, resulting in multiple seizures of goods valued at nearly CFA8 billion,” the official said.
Customs officers regularly confiscate large amounts of illegal items, including adulterated fuel, counterfeit medicines, precious metals, and various liquids like whiskey, wine, and non-compliant beverages that are sometimes unfit for consumption. These operations are primarily conducted under the “Stop Illegal Trade” initiative, known as Halcomi III.
Halcomi III operates command posts in Douala (Littoral region), Yaoundé (Center region), and Garoua (North region). The program aims to strengthen security and prevent large-scale illegal activities across the country.
Major seizures frequently occur at borders with Nigeria in northern Cameroon and in the southern region bordering Equatorial Guinea. The city of Douala and its surrounding areas are also hotspots for illegal trade, partly due to the creeks along the Wouri River, which serve as hubs for smuggling activities.
A Serious Threat to the Economy
Illegal trade poses a significant threat to Cameroon’s economy, with annual tax revenue losses estimated at CFA200–250 billion. This includes losses from smuggling and counterfeiting, which deprive the government and local businesses of essential income.
For instance, in 2021, goods seized under the Halcomi III initiative were valued at CFA10 billion, highlighting the scale of the challenge Cameroon faces in tackling this issue.
