In the response to COVID-19, customs administrations play a big role. The World Customs Organization (WCO) presented this Tuesday, October 06, 2020 through a webinar the results of Operation OMD STOP on the illicit trafficking of drugs and medical equipment linked to COVID-19. The Beninese customs administration performed well, rising to 13th place out of 99 globally.
The fight against counterfeit / illicit drugs linked to Covid-19 at the level of the Benin customs administration has borne fruit. Globally, the efforts of Beninese customs are commended. 4th in Africa and 13th out of the 99 customs administrations in the world that participated in the operation, the disciples of St Mathieu in Benin confirmed the paradigm. Because the fight against fake drugs has been for several years an important project of the power of Patrice Talon.
In fact, the operation took place over three months involving 99 customs administrations and focusing on counterfeit / illicit drugs and medical supplies linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It participates in the response of the World Customs Organization and its members to face the challenges and threats posed by the global health crisis. The operation highlighted the importance of customs being the first line of defense against counterfeit and unfounded products that seriously affect the well-being of citizens and confidence in the medical supply chain.
On this table the Beninese customs headed by Sacca Charles Inoussa with the dynamics of the Minister of Economy and Finance Romuald Wadagni have excelled in this fight for the well-being of the populations.
Remember that under the leadership of President Patrice Talon a fierce fight against fake drugs had already been launched in 2017. This was a strong signal to the traffickers of fake drugs. The Beninese authorities attacked simultaneously and in a coordinated manner, among others, the Adjégoulè market and other markets within the country, deemed untouchable. Several tons of fake medicines in due time were seized, and a hundred people arrested. The fight did not stop there, actions continue to this day on the ground in collaboration with Beninese customs and police forces.
In a very good place in the fight, 13th, the Beninese customs have under the dome of the Minister of Economy and Finance Romuald Wadagni confirmed the commitment of President Talon on this issue of public health.
Today we can be satisfied with the level of the fight without sleeping on the laurels.