The governor of the Far North region estimates this seizure at nearly 25 million CFA francs.
The Far North region is invaded by pharmaceuticals of dubious quality. Last week, nearly 200 boxes of counterfeit medicines were seized by customs elements in this region of the country. "This is an action welcomed by all, especially at a time when smuggled medicines are invading the Maroua market to the detriment of human health. The people of the city of Maroua face enormous dangers by consuming these harmful products, which are served to them by people who are not trained in medicine," said Midjiyawa Bakary, governor of the Far North region.
This catch is estimated at nearly 25 million CFA francs according to the governor who deplores its impact on tax revenues. "It's a bloodletting for tax and customs revenues. This operation will continue. These seizures represent nearly 25 million CFA francs. A fairly considerable sum." According to Cameroon Customs, these shipments of counterfeit medicines come from neighbouring Nigeria. This seizure was immediately destroyed in the presence of the governor.
Last October, 1156 cartons of expired medicines or 320,292 tablets imported without declaration or authorization from the Ministry of Health (Minsanté) were seized by the main office of customs out of class of Douala port V. It was at the end of a visit to the dock of a container supposed to contain flea market from Switzerland.
