GH¢20.6 million worth of restricted goods, including illicit cigarettes and controlled pharmaceuticals, have been intercepted by customs officials in the Northern Region.
The items, which comprised 450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes and five boxes of Tapentadol tablets, were seized during a targeted operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) along the Nanton-Gushegu road on February 11, 2025.
According to sources, a customs task force had set up a checkpoint on the Gaha-Gushegu road, following intelligence that a vehicle was transporting illegal goods.
However, the suspect vehicle, with registration number GS 7592-13, failed to stop and sped past the checkpoint, prompting a swift pursuit.
Upon interception, the driver refused to disclose the nature of the cargo, insisting that only the owner could provide the necessary details. Shortly after, an individual claiming to be the owner arrived on a motorbike but also refused to comment on the consignment.
The vehicle was subsequently taken to the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters for further examination. Officials summoned both the driver and the owner for an official cargo inspection the following day, but neither appeared.
A search conducted on February 19 confirmed that the vehicle was carrying highly restricted goods that required proper import permits. As no valid documentation was provided, the items were officially seized under Notice of Seizure Number 248806 on February 25, 2025.
Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling the smuggling of illicit goods. “We have intensified efforts with National Security, the Narcotics Control Commission, and other agencies to curb this menace,” he stated.
The Customs Division has pledged to strengthen surveillance at ports and border crossings to disrupt smuggling networks and prevent the influx of illegal goods. Stricter penalties are also being advocated to deter offenders.
The case has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission for further investigation, with legal action expected to be taken against those implicated in the illegal trade.
