OUAGADOUGOU — The Mobile Economic Control and Fraud Repression Brigade (BMCRF) intercepted nearly 6 tonnes of illicitly repackaged rice during a raid in the Dapoya district of Ouagadougou on the night of June 26, 2024. A trader was caught red-handed repackaging 50 kg bags of rice into 25 kg bags under a different brand, with the actual weight of the rice also reduced, sparking concerns about consumer deception and public health risks.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the operation was supported by the national police, resulting in the capture of the fraudulent rice. Further investigations revealed that some of the repackaged bags lacked proper dating, compounding the legal violations. The implicated trader has been summoned to the brigade to face charges related to these activities.

The general coordinator of the BMCRF highlighted the severity of penalties for such fraudulent practices and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any similar suspicious activities. The department head responsible for overseeing compliance with regulations on pricing, stocks, and anti-fraud measures underscored that the raid forms part of broader efforts by authorities to clamp down on commercial fraud, thereby safeguarding consumer interests and health. The BMCRF has provided toll-free numbers for the public to report any suspicious actions:

80 00 11 84
80 00 11 85
80 00 11 86