Customs officials in the Northern Region have intercepted a massive consignment of illicit cigarettes and controlled pharmaceuticals, dealing a significant blow to smuggling operations in Ghana. The seizure was carried out by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a targeted operation along the Nanton-Gushegu road on February 11, 2025.
Details of the Seizure
The operation resulted in the confiscation of:
450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes
Five boxes of Tapentadol tablets
Total estimated duty value: GH¢20.6 million
Acting on intelligence, a customs task force set up a checkpoint on the Gaha-Gushegu road to intercept a vehicle suspected of transporting illegal goods. However, the driver of the vehicle, registered GS 7592-13, ignored orders to stop and sped past the checkpoint, prompting a high-speed chase.
Upon interception, the driver refused to disclose the contents of the cargo, insisting that only the owner could provide details. Shortly after, an individual claiming ownership arrived on a motorbike but also declined to comment on the consignment.
The vehicle was taken to the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters for further examination. Both the driver and the alleged owner were summoned for an official inspection the following day, but neither appeared.
Official Seizure and Investigation
A thorough search conducted on February 19 confirmed that the vehicle contained highly restricted goods requiring proper import permits. Since no valid documentation was provided, the items were officially seized under Notice of Seizure Number 248806 on February 25, 2025.
Visiting the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating smuggling. He stated:
“We have intensified efforts with National Security, the Narcotics Control Commission, and other agencies to curb this menace, even if much of the work goes unnoticed.”
His remarks underscored the persistent challenges customs officials face in disrupting smuggling networks.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Smuggling
Despite increased enforcement measures, illicit drugs and contraband products continue to infiltrate Ghana’s markets, raising concerns about rising substance abuse among the youth. In response, customs officials have pledged to:
Strengthen surveillance at ports and border crossings to intercept smuggled goods.
Disrupt smuggling networks through intelligence-led operations.
Advocate for stricter penalties to deter offenders.
The case has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission for further investigation. Authorities have vowed to pursue legal action against those involved, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding public health and national security.
