Authorities in Thiès have dismantled a significant clandestine sachet water production network following a targeted operation on April 16, 2026. The raid, which took place around 10:00 AM in the Médina Fall neighborhood, resulted in the arrest of five individuals operating illegal fabrication units.
The Crackdown on Illegal Production
The operation led to the interpellation of A. Niang, E.D. Dieng, G. Fall, S.M. Fall, and E.D. Diouf. These individuals operated factories under the brands “EAU BEBE AMI,” “JAALIBATOU,” “AMARA,” “EAU DIARA,” and “EAU GUERA,” respectively.
Investigations revealed a complex web of unauthorized activities and the illegal sale of fabrication permits. For instance, A. Niang reportedly purchased authorization n°1050/2016 from Aminata Diaw, currently based in Côte d’Ivoire, for 400,000 FCFA.
While Niang held a permit for “EAU BEBE AMI,” he was found to be commercializing a different brand, “EAU KAWSARA,” without any administrative authorization. He was allegedly supported by printers A.A. Niang, Zamoura, and Malick, located in the Grand Standing and Dixième districts of Thiès.
Fraudulent Permits and Public Health Risks
The investigation uncovered a pattern of “buying” legitimacy. S.M. Fall admitted to acquiring the “EAU DIARA” brand from Fallou Gaye for 90,000 FCFA, while also operating “EAU BAYRE” without authorization. G. Fall purchased the “AMARA” permit from Mbacké Diagne for 400,000 FCFA and operated his production unit from a room within his own home.
Another suspect, E.D. Diouf, claimed to have bought a production machine and authorization from Ngounda Ndiaye in 2019 for 1,600,000 FCFA. Diouf asserted he had recently visited the Regional Hygiene Brigade of Thiès to obtain a health certificate that had not yet been issued.
Public health concerns were central to the probe. E.D. Dieng, who operated “JAALIBATOU,” claimed to possess a health certificate; however, investigators reported that the subsequent analysis of the water was “alarming.” Both S.M. Fall and E.D. Diouf were found to be operating without health certificates.
Systemic Deception Uncovered
To verify the legitimacy of the permits, the Brigade de recherches de Thiès contacted the Division of Consumption and Consumer Safety in Dakar. The response confirmed a shocking level of deception regarding the FRA codes used by the suspects.
The codes used by A. Niang, E.D. Dieng, G. Fall, and S.M. Fall actually belonged to unrelated entities. These included Baté Boye (couscous), GIE-BADIO (ground laurel), Mamadou Lamara Bâ (corn couscous), and Ibrahima Bâ (composite flour). Only Penda Mboup Ndom was listed as a producer of filtered water for the “JAALIBATOU” brand.
The investigation concluded that these individuals simply changed the brand names associated with the stolen or purchased codes to profit from their illegal activities. The five suspects were referred to the Thiès prosecutor on Monday, April 20, 2026, before being released.
Potential Next Steps
Following the return of the suspects from the prosecutor, legal proceedings could still evolve as the state determines the appropriate charges. Authorities may also expand their investigation to include the printers and the individuals who sold the fraudulent authorizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the primary targets of the operation?
The operation targeted five owners of sachet water factories in the Thiès department: A. Niang, E.D. Dieng, G. Fall, S.M. Fall, and E.D. Diouf.
How did the suspects fake their authorizations?
They used FRA codes belonging to other food producers—such as those making couscous and flour—and changed the brand names to make it appear as though they had official permission to produce water.
Were the water production sites meeting health standards?
No. Several operators lacked health certificates, one operated out of a residential room, and water analysis for the “JAALIBATOU” brand was described as alarming by investigators.
Do you believe stricter oversight of production permits could prevent the sale of unauthorized consumer goods?
