The Office of the Public Prosecutor in Conakry, Guinea, has issued an order to launch operations aimed at curbing the importation, distribution, and commercialization of chicha. Dated September 21, 2026, the requisition instructs various security authorities to conduct searches, seizures, and inventories of chicha-related activities across the Conakry Court of Appeal's jurisdiction. This move is part of the government's efforts to enforce existing regulations.
The directive targets several key entities, including the High Command of the National Gendarmerie, the General Directorate of the National Police, and the General Secretariat of the Presidency responsible for special services and organized crime. These authorities are tasked with identifying individuals involved in the chicha trade, tracing supply chains, and locating storage and sales points. They are also authorized to seize products, devices, accessories, and documents linked to the trade.
The Public Prosecutor's office cites an joint decree from January 5, 2021, which prohibits the importation, distribution, and commercialization of chicha in Guinea. The decree has been in place for over five years, but enforcement has apparently been lacking. The latest instruction aims to strengthen efforts to uphold the ban, particularly in the Conakry region.
Authorities are required to keep detailed records of seized items, including their nature, quantity, condition, and location, as well as the identity of their holders. These records, along with the seized items, must be transferred to the competent public prosecutors for further action. This process is designed to ensure that all seized materials are properly documented and handled.
The operations will involve officers from the judicial police, who will be tasked with investigating and documenting chicha-related activities. The authorities will also work to identify and dismantle networks involved in the illicit trade. By strengthening enforcement, the government aims to reduce the availability and use of chicha in Guinea.
Chicha, a flavored waterpipe tobacco product, has been a subject of concern in Guinea due to its potential health risks. The government's decision to crack down on its trade reflects growing concerns about public health and the need to enforce existing regulations. The operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the goal of significantly reducing chicha-related activities.
The move has been reported by local media outlets, including Le Révélateur 224, which has been providing updates on the government's efforts to curb the chicha trade. The initiative is seen as part of a broader effort to promote public health and enforce the law in Guinea.
Key points
- The Public Prosecutor's office in Conakry has ordered operations to curb the importation, distribution, and commercialization of chicha in Guinea.
- The operations aim to enforce a 2021 decree prohibiting the trade of chicha in the country.
- Authorities will seize products, devices, and documents linked to the chicha trade and keep detailed records of seized items.
