In a significant blow to smuggling operations in Ghana, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized a substantial quantity of restricted goods, including cigarettes and controlled pharmaceutical products, valued at GH¢20.6 million.
The seizure occurred in Tamale, Northern Region, following an intelligence-led operation on February 11, 2025.
The seized items included 450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes, each containing 50 packets, and five boxes of Tapentadol tablets.
Customs officials received a tip-off about a vehicle transporting restricted items along the Nanton to Gushegu road, prompting a task force to set up a checkpoint on the Gaha to Gushegu road.
During the operation, a vehicle with registration number GS 7592-13 sped past the checkpoint, leading to a pursuit by the task force.
The driver and owner of the vehicle refused to disclose details about its contents, and despite resistance, customs officers moved the vehicle to the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters for further inspection.
A subsequent search of the vehicle on February 19, 2025, confirmed that it contained highly restricted goods requiring proper licensing and permits for importation.
Since the driver and owner lacked the necessary authorization, the goods were seized under Notice of Seizure Number 248806 on February 25, 2025.
Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs, visited the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters to gather first hand information on the operation.
He emphasized that collaboration among state agencies has been strengthened to curb the influx of illicit drugs, and customs will intensify surveillance at ports and borders to tackle smuggling.
The case has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission for further investigation, and authorities are expected to take legal action against those involved in the illegal transportation of these restricted goods.
-BY Issah Olegor
