Benin and Senegal seize hundreds of counterfeit alcoholic drinks and non‑conforming cans

Benin police seized more than 500 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Lokossa on 27 July 2026. Investigators arrested a local merchant, recovered 483 bottles of various spirits—including pastis, dry gin, and whisky—and seized additional empty bottles, a five‑litre drum and packaging materials. The suspect claims the products were supplied from a neighbouring country; the case is being forwarded to the prosecutor for alleged trademark and food‑safety violations.

In Senegal, the Directorate of Internal Trade (DCI) carried out a raid in the Colobane district of Dakar on 30 July 2026, confiscating 1 278 packs of the BX soda (30 672 cans) along with other non‑conforming beverages and food items. The operation removed thousands of cans and cartons from the market and initiated legal proceedings against the trader involved, reinforcing the ministry’s push to protect public health.