Custom officers seize illicit cigarettes and Tapentadol worth GH¢20.6 million

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA),  led an intelligence operation in the Northern Region which resulted the seizure of significant quantity of contraband goods. These seized restricted goods include illegal cigarettes and restricted medicinal products.

The seized items include 22,500 packets of Business Royal Cigarettes and large quantity of Tapentadol tablets and the aggregate estimated duty on these seized items amounts to GH¢20.6 million. The custom officials’ swift action on February 11, 2025, was triggered by intel about a vehicle transporting restricted goods along the Nanton to Gushegu road in Ghana’s Northern Region. Due that, a task force from the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters created a vehicle inspection checkpoint on the Gaha to Gushegu road to stop and inspect suspect vehicles.

However,  the vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint with registration number GS 7592-13, but the driver and owner refused to cooperate, sparking a dramatic pursuit. The driver refused to disclose details about the goods in the vehicle, saying that the owner is the only one who can provide such information. After a while, the owner of the vehicle arrived on a motorbike who also refused to comment.

As a result, the custom officers moved the vehicle to the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters for inspection. The driver and the owner were asked to return on February 12, 2025 for in-depth examination of the cargo but they refused to show up.

A detailed inspection meticulously undertaken on the 19 February confirmed the presence of such restricted good that required proper permits for importation. Since valid permits were not presented by either the driver or owner the, the good were seized by the custom officers. The goods were seized under Notice of Seizure Number 248806 on 25 February, 2025.

Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs, visited the Tamale Collection Regional Headquarters to examine the situation. He expressed how the activities of smuggling could be curb and legal compliance to trade regulations .

Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo declared that “We have done our possible best to curb this problem, and as a result, we do not feel it necessary to announce it.” He also assured the public that no matter the challenges, custom officials will fight against smuggling.