The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with other stakeholders, has intercepted a 40-foot container of opioid drugs valued at GH₵20 million at the Tema Port.
The consignment, which was en route to Niger, had not been properly declared, constituting a customs offense and prompting its seizure by the state. Authorities also noted that the product packaging lacked essential manufacturer details, with labels only indicating “Made in India.”
Speaking at a press briefing at the Tema Port, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing Ghana from becoming a transit hub for illicit drugs.
“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be a safe haven for opioids. And let me tell you that the president is personally interested in this matter. On my way here, he called me twice, and it tells you how important and critical this particular issue is,” he stated.
The seized consignment contained various opioid drugs, including 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg, 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg, 190 cartons of Loperamide 2 mg, and 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate.
Authorities have pledged to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures at Ghana’s ports to combat the trafficking of illicit pharmaceuticals.
