Nine officers from various state agencies have been arrested and are currently under police investigation following the interception of a large shipment of undeclared Tramadol at Tema Port. Among those arrested are five Customs officers, one officer from the Narcotics Control Commission, one Port Security officer, one officer from the Energy Commission, and one officer from the Ghana Standards Authority.
A statement issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority on March 3, 2026, indicated that the arrests were made after a significant seizure by the Customs Division of the Authority. Authorities discovered 146,932,000 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (in 250mg and 225mg doses), weighing a total of 34,547.2 kilograms, concealed in a container that was declared to carry household items.
Intelligence-led operation
According to the GRA, the seizure was triggered by intelligence received by the Preventive Wing of the Customs Division. Container number TGHU6228715, cleared under Bill of Entry 40226151187, was detained on February 20, 2026, and transferred to a Customs-controlled area in Tema for further examination. The shipment, which originated from the United Arab Emirates, had been declared as containing water kettles, kitchen blenders, pressing irons, energy-saving bulbs and polypropylene materials.
However, a joint re-examination conducted by Customs officers and the Central Revenue Monitoring Team on March 1, 2026, uncovered substantial discrepancies. Large quantities of undeclared Tramadol tablets were found concealed among the listed household goods. Following the discovery, the importer and the declarant were handed over to the police to assist with ongoing investigations. The seized consignment remains under strict Customs control.
GRA reaffirms zero tolerance
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) emphasised its commitment to safeguarding national security, protecting public health, and maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s revenue and border management systems. The Authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal imports and the misuse of public office, highlighting that this case illustrates the ongoing threat posed by the smuggling of controlled substances.
Additionally, it stated that the operation underscored the importance of intelligence-led enforcement in combating illicit trade and ensuring compliance with national laws. The GRA assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to hold those involved accountable and to protect the country’s borders from unlawful activities.
Source: Benjamin Xornam Glover
