(WAU) – Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have intercepted and expelled three trucks transporting over 4,000 cartons of a banned type of alcoholic gin, following a state level decision to prohibit harmful alcohol products.
The action comes after a recent resolution by the State Council of Ministers and the State Security Committee to outlaw the production, importation and sale of harmful alcoholic drinks within the state. The measure is intended to protect public health and reduce the harmful effects of unregulated alcohol consumption.
According to state officials, security forces intercepted the trucks near Eastern Bank, less than one kilometre from Wau, as the vehicles made their way along the Wau–Juba Road. The trucks, fully loaded with alcohol cartons, were prevented from entering the town.
At a press briefing held Tuesday evening in Wau, the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Arkangjelo Anyar Anyar, confirmed that the operation was part of the ongoing enforcement of the alcohol ban. He said it was a sign of the government’s determination to implement public health decisions made at the highest levels of state leadership.
“In response to the recent order from the Council of Ministers and the Security Committee banning gin alcoholic drinks in Western Bahr el Ghazal, the governor and security officials acted within the municipality and successfully seized these banned products,” Anyar stated.
He emphasised that while the government supports free trade and welcomes the importation of essential goods, it remains firm in its position that harmful products such as unregulated gin will not be tolerated.
“We allow traders to import goods freely, but they must not bring in harmful alcohol. This seizure involved three trucks carrying more than 4,000 cartons,” he explained.
The intercepted trucks, along with their contents, were escorted out of the state. The alcohol will not be allowed for sale or consumption within Western Bahr el Ghazal, according to the minister.
Anyar also issued a stern warning to traders and members of the public, stressing that any attempt to smuggle restricted products into the state will be met with legal action. He encouraged community members to support the ban by reporting any violations or suspicious activity to local authorities.
