Ghana Customs seize GH¢20.6M worth of Illicit cigarettes, tapentadol tablets at Tamale
The crackdown, executed along the Nanton-Gushegu road on February 11, 2025, led to the interception of 450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes and five boxes of Tapentadol tablets.
Custom officials in the Northern Region have confiscated a significant cache of restricted goods, including smuggled cigarettes and controlled pharmaceuticals, following a strategic operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The crackdown, executed along the Nanton-Gushegu road on February 11, 2025, led to the interception of 450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes and five boxes of Tapentadol tablets. The seized items have an estimated duty value of GH¢20.6 million.
Acting on intelligence about an unauthorized shipment, a customs task force established a checkpoint along the Gaha-Gushegu road to intercept the suspect vehicle. However, the vehicle—identified by registration number GS 7592-13—ignored the stop order and attempted to flee, triggering a high-speed pursuit.
Upon capture, the driver refused to disclose details about the cargo, claiming only the owner had the necessary information. Shortly after, an individual arrived on a motorbike, asserting ownership of the goods but also declining to provide any explanation.
Authorities transferred the vehicle to the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters for a thorough inspection. Both the driver and the purported owner were summoned for an official cargo review the following day, but neither appeared.
A detailed examination on February 19 confirmed that the truck was transporting heavily restricted products requiring valid import documentation. In the absence of proper permits, officials officially seized the goods under Notice of Seizure Number 248806 on February 25, 2025.
Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs, later visited the regional headquarters to assess the operation. He emphasized the critical role of multi-agency collaboration in combating smuggling, stating:
"Our efforts to curb this menace are relentless. We are working closely with National Security, the Narcotics Control Commission, and other agencies to dismantle smuggling networks, even if much of our work happens behind the scenes."
Despite intensified border controls, illegal contraband continues to infiltrate Ghana’s markets, fueling concerns over substance abuse and public health risks. Customs officials have vowed to heighten surveillance at ports and entry points while advocating for stricter penalties to deter smugglers.
The case has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission for further investigation. Authorities are preparing to take legal action against those involved, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding national security and public well-being.
