The National Coordination for Combating Fraud (CNLF) has hit a big blow against chemical fraud. During a meticulous operation carried out on March 4, 2025 on the Bobo-Bama axis, CNLF agents intercepted a large illegal shipment of 880 bags of 50 kg of cyanide, worth 154 million FCFA, hidden under 18 tons of cake estimated at 6.48 million FCFA

The fraudsters used a camouflage technique that consisted of transferring cyanide into regular bags stamped “FOODSTUFFS”. Thanks to the vigilance of the CNLF teams, this attempt to circumvent the regulations was unsuccessful. An extremely dangerous chemical product, cyanide is subject to a strict legal framework. Its import requires a technical opinion from the Ministry of the Environment, a traceability register and an official declaration of the storage site.

Offenders who did not have any authorization face severe penalties, ranging from a fine equivalent to twice the amount of the required authorizations, to the confiscation of seized products, and even to legal proceedings.

At the press conference on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the National Anti-Fraud Coordinator, Dr. Yves KAFANDO, called for good citizenship and compliance with current import regulations. He emphasized the need for collective vigilance and the systematic denunciation of fraudulent practices, recalling that fraud endangers public safety and the national economy

This record seizure is a major success in the fight against fraud, testifying to CNLF's determination to clean up commercial channels and protect citizens against the risks associated with the illegal import of dangerous substances.