Contraband Suppression: Government Structures Take Relentless Action

The Cameroon Customs has been at the fore, regularly launching Operation Stopping Illicit Trade, code-named ‘Operation HALCOMI’.

Government well understands the danger it will expose its already troubled economy to, should it allow the phenomenon of contraband and the perpetrators of counterfeiting and fake goods operate unperturbed. The danger even looks scarier as Cameroon is reeling from multiple shocks occasioned by drop in oil and global commodity prices, socio-political upheavals and terrorist incursions.

As such, various government structures have jerked into proactive actions to eliminate the malpractice which has been depriving the State of financial resources and putting the lives of innocent Cameroonians at risk. Amongst other outfits, the Customs has been at the forefront.

Besides regular operations, the Directorate General of Customs has periodically launched Operation Stopping Illicit Trade, code-named ‘Operation HALCOMI’, in collaboration with private sector enterprises and the Navy. Such operations have often been wide-ranging, running from East to West, North to South, and leading to the systematic seizure of goods from illegal trade.

Just in August 2017, Agents of Zone II (Centre, South and East Regions) of Operation HALCOMI confiscated 22 luxurious vehicles which didn’t follow customs procedures. The operation also led to the seizure of 15 bundles of non-biodegradable plastic paper, 20 cartoons of expired drugs, bottles of whisky and wine, as well as other contraband items.

To effectively suppress contraband goods, we learned customs agents receive regular advanced training on the fight against smuggling offered by experts who combine experience and prof...