Record seizure of 5,500 smuggled phones at Hillacondji border

The Beninese Customs have just achieved a major victory in their fight against cross-border fraud. On Sunday, July 12, 2026, a large-scale operation at the south-western border led to the interception of a massive shipment of illegally imported phones.

Customs officers from the Hillacondji Brigade, under the command of Captain Fortuné Allagbé, successfully intercepted the shipment before it could enter illicit distribution networks. In total, 5,574 smuggled Android phones were seized in this operation.

The success of this operation stems from meticulous intelligence gathering and active surveillance conducted by the customs teams on the ground. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat fraud implemented by the Director General of Customs, Colonel Raouf Malèhossou Aboudou.

Strengthening border controls and cracking down on criminal networks

This major seizure underscores the intensification of border controls and the targeting of criminal networks involved in smuggling activities. By disrupting this illegal trade, the customs administration aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Protecting state revenue by preventing tax losses.
• Ensuring fair competition for businesses operating within the legal framework.
• Safeguarding jobs in the formal commercial sector in Benin.

The operation highlights the Beninese Customs’ commitment to maintaining strict vigilance at the borders and taking decisive action against fraudulent activities that undermine the national economy.