A joint inspection by the country’s regulatory and security agencies has led to the seizure of a massive opioid shipment worth approximately GH₵20 million at the Tema Port on Monday afternoon.
The container, bound for Niger, was found to contain high-dose opioid pharmaceuticals exceeding FDA-approved limits, with improper manufacturer details.
The team led by the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stormed the Port to access the situation.
Mintah Akandoh stressed the government’s commitment to preventing Ghana from becoming a hub for opioid trafficking.
The minister revealed that the shipment had not been properly declared to Customs, constituting a customs violation and prompting its seizure by the state.
He warned that Ghana would not tolerate the importation or transit of unauthorized drugs through its borders and that the government would take swift action against those involved in the illicit drug trade.
The intercepted shipment included a large quantity of opioid pharmaceuticals, such as Tapentadol, Loperamide, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate.
The FDA noted that the products lacked key manufacturing details, with the only marking on the strips indicating that they were “Made in India”
The government has assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking and protect the country’s public health and security.
The Health Minister called on all security agencies and stakeholders to intensify their vigilance and collaborate to tackle drug smuggling effectively.
In a bid to strengthen border control measures, Ghana will deploy advanced scanning technology and enhance collaborations with international agencies.
-BY Issah Olegor
