Customs busts illegal pharma

A coordinated Customs operation seized 113 million illegal pharmaceutical products destined for Sub-Saharan Africa countries.
According to the World Customs Organisation, most of the shipments originated in China or India and were mostly distributed in Benin, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The 10-day Operation Biyela 2 mobilised 14 African Customs organisations to simultaneously inspect hundreds of shipments. 
‘The number of interceptions effected during this operation shows once again the scope of the scourge of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs in Africa’, said WCO secretary general, Kunio Mikuriya. ‘The response can be described in a nutshell as follows: strengthened cooperation, based particularly on information sharing at the national level, and on the part of Customs authorities, other regulatory agencies and public health officials ñ and at the international level between Customs authorities.’
Share this story

Related Topics

Latest africa news

AIA Cargo scoops two GSSA deals

AIA Cargo has won two new GSSA contracts, providing services for Hainan Airlines and Air Peace on their flights out…

Read More

Share this story

Etihad and Astral partner to expand their networks

Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation have launched a new partnership that will expand the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s network in Africa….

Read More

Share this story

Ethiopian Airlines inaugurates e-commerce logistics facility

Ethiopian Airlines Group has launched a new e-commerce logistics facility at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Located inside the Ethiopian…

Read More

Share this story

Air Cargo News

Air Cargo News
Established in 1983, Air Cargo News is the leading source of news, information, interviews, analyses and reports to the global airfreight industry. Our leading portfolio includes print, digital and events that give businesses in the airfreight industry the ability to connect with decision-makers in this sector.