Customs officials in the Northern Region have intercepted a large quantity of restricted goods, including illicit cigarettes and controlled pharmaceuticals, following a targeted operation by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The operation, which took place along the Nanton-Gushegu road on 11th February 2025, led to the seizure of 450 boxes of Business Royal Cigarettes and five boxes of Tapentadol tablets, with an estimated duty value of GH¢20.6 million.
Acting on intelligence regarding a vehicle transporting illegal goods, a customs task force set up a checkpoint on the Gaha-Gushegu road.
However, the suspected vehicle, bearing 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 thorough search conducted on 19th February 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 25th February 2025.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
