09/09/2026
Limbe Navy Sets FCFA 186 Million Worth of Illegal Medicines Ablaze
A thick cloud of smoke rose over the HYSACAM dumpsite near Mokunda, Limbe, on September 8, as the Limbe Navy carried out the destruction of a massive consignment of illegally imported medicines seized on August 10.
The operation, executed by setting the entire stock on fire, marks the second major destruction of its kind in 2026, bringing the total value of seized and destroyed fake drugs to a staggering FCFA 186 million. The exercise was conducted under the authority of Navy Captain Issova Sono Seraphine, Commander of the Limbe Naval Base.
Ms. Mariette Bih epse Ashu, 3rd Assistant SDO of Fako Division, oversaw the destruction. She described it as a decisive step in protecting the health of Cameroonians. "These illegally imported medications are dangerous," she warned. "Citizens must play their part by not buying them. To those importing them, know that you are destroying the health of our population. As the administration, we are bound to destroy any consignment that is seized."
Speaking on behalf of the Navy Commander, Dr. Oko Petis Edinguele, Navy Coordinator of the Fight Against Illegal Drugs, sent a direct warning to importers: "Each time the Navy catches you, the drugs will be seized and destroyed." He confirmed that the committee behind this operation was established by the Navy Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mendoa Jean, under the supervision of the Minister Delegate in Charge of Defence, Mr. Beti Assomo Joseph.
Among the destroyed products were anti-malaria drugs, s*x enhancement drugs of doubtful quality such as "Manisa-Oga ei don do," medicinal bitters, pain medications like Curefenac, dewormers such as Tanzol, and antibiotics like Berlin Ciprofloxacin.
The SDO of Fako, Mr. Engelbert Viang Mekala, had earlier commended the Navy and warned importers to stop their activities or continue counting millions in losses. Today, his words were backed by fire.
This latest action signals a tightening noose around the illegal drug trade in Cameroon—and a warning that the next consignment seized will meet the same fate.
Sir Terrence Tv