Cameroonian authorities have made a record seizure of narcotics at Douala International Airport, intercepting nearly 2.5 tons of cocaine and tramadol, with an estimated value of nearly 50 billion FCFA. The operation, announced on February 20, 2026, by the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motazé, highlights the persistent challenges related to drug trafficking in the country and the region. This massive seizure also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to strengthen border controls and combat transnational crime.
According to the Minister of Finance's statement, the seizure includes 1,057 kg of cocaine from Germany and 1,434 kg of tramadol shipped from India and South Sudan. The drugs were concealed in six separate shipments, transported by a European airline and an African airline. Traffickers had attempted to conceal their illegal activity by falsely declaring the goods as "medical supplies," a common tactic to circumvent customs inspections.
This large-scale operation was made possible by high-level targeted intelligence, allowing Cameroonian customs to identify and intercept the suspicious shipments. The market value of the seized narcotics is estimated at approximately US$90 million, or nearly 50 billion FCFA. Beyond the financial value, this seizure represents a major blow to trafficking networks and helps protect the Cameroonian population from the dangers of drug use.
Minister Motazé stressed that this operation prevents the circulation of approximately 27 million tramadol tablets in the national territory. The abuse of tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is a growing public health problem in Cameroon, with serious health and social consequences. The availability of large quantities of tramadol contributes to fueling addiction and crime, especially among young people.
The seized goods were immediately sealed and handed over to the competent authorities for further investigation. Authorities are working to identify and dismantle the trafficking networks involved in this case, as well as determine the final destinations of the drugs. This record seizure follows a previous interception of 200 kilograms of cocaine at Douala airport in July 2025, which demonstrates the intense activity of traffickers in the region.
Cameroonian customs considers this operation a record seizure at Douala airport, illustrating the increasing effectiveness of drug control measures implemented in recent years. Since 2016, seizures of narcotics have increased in the airports of Douala and Yaoundé-Nsimalen, partly thanks to the gradual operationalization of airport anti-trafficking units (CAAT). These specialized units play a crucial role in detecting and intercepting illicit goods.
This record seizure of cocaine and tramadol at Douala airport demonstrates Cameroon's commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting its population. Continued efforts to strengthen border controls, improve international cooperation, and dismantle trafficking networks are essential to reduce the impact of this scourge on Cameroonian society. Ongoing investigations should shed light on the ramifications of this trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.
