Customs Officials intercept GH¢20.6milion worth of restricted goods

Customs officials in the Northern Region have intercepted GH¢20.6 million worth of restricted goods, including illicit cigarettes and controlled pharmaceuticals, in a major crackdown on smuggling.

The operation, carried out by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on February 11, 2025, led to the seizure of 450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes and five boxes of Tapentadol tablets along the Nanton-Gushegu road.

Acting on intelligence, a customs task force set up a checkpoint along the Gaha-Gushegu road to intercept a vehicle suspected of carrying illegal goods. Instead of stopping as directed, the driver of the vehicle, registered as GS 7592-13, sped through the checkpoint, triggering a swift pursuit by law enforcement officers.

When the vehicle was finally stopped, the driver refused to provide details about the cargo, claiming only the owner could do so. A short while later, an individual arrived on a motorbike, claiming ownership of the goods, but he too refused to disclose any information.

Authorities moved the vehicle to the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters for further investigation, instructing both the driver and the supposed owner to return the next day for an official inspection. Neither complied.

A search conducted on February 19 revealed that the vehicle was loaded with highly restricted goods requiring proper import permits. Since no valid documentation was provided, officials officially seized the items under Notice of Seizure Number 248806 on February 25, 2025.

Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, highlighted the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation to combat the smuggling of illicit goods. “We are intensifying collaboration with National Security, the Narcotics Control Commission, and other agencies to tackle this issue head-on,” he stated.

The Customs Division has since reinforced security measures at ports and border crossings to prevent the inflow of illegal goods, while also advocating harsher penalties for offenders.

The case has now been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission for further investigation, with legal proceedings expected against those involved.