GRA Destroys 500 Boxes Of Smuggled Cigarettes

From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi
Custom officials about the destroy the products
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized and destroyed 500 large boxes of cigarettes, valued at GH¢10,000, which were smuggled into the country.

The said cigarettes, which were found to be un-customed and did not have any health warnings, were seized in parts of the Brong Ahafo and the Ashanti regions and destroyed at the Kaase dumping site, which exercise was witnessed by personnel from the security agencies and the media.

The products, which were kept at the government bonded ware house upon seizure, were destroyed with the permission from the Customs authorities. A large earth moving machine was used to crush the boxes till they were all destroyed and later buried beneath the rubbish.

Mr. Kwesi Ahiapkor, Customs Commander for the Ashanti Region, while briefing the media, said tobacco products imported into the country by the tobacco marketing companies are specifically marked as designated for the Ghanaian market.

He said they were also embossed with health warnings and other identification for the education of the consumer. He explained that during their routine checks in the various entry ports and markets to check on contraband goods, goods imported through unapproved routes were seized in large quantities, especially, cigarettes.

Effects

Earth moving machine in the process of destruction
Mr. Ahiakpor explained that tobacco was a high duty product, which meant that they attracted very high duty for the state, and, therefore, if any unscrupulous person tried to smuggle them into the country, the nation loses large amounts of income.

He added that aside depriving the state of the needed resources, it also affected the sales of other law-abiding companies that import specified and wholesome products and pay taxes on them, since the smuggled ones are often sold at cheaper prices.

The Customs boss cautioned consumers to be wary of such smuggled products, and report the owners to the authorities, because, just like those seized, the quality of smuggled goods are always doubtful, because they do not carry health and safety cautions.