A significant anti‑narcotics operation at the Tema Port has led to the seizure of undeclared pharmaceutical drugs valued at roughly GH₵146 million and the arrest of nine public officials implicated in the case.
The intelligence‑led operation, carried out by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), uncovered a colossal hidden consignment of 146,932,000 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg and 225mg) concealed within a container declared to be carrying ordinary household goods. The shipment, weighing about 34,847 kg, originated from the United Arab Emirates.
Concealed Drugs Found Behind Household Goods
The container (TGHU6228715), declared as containing items such as water kettles, kitchen blenders, pressing irons, and energy‑saving bulbs, was detained on February 26, 2026, after Customs received high‑level intelligence. A joint re‑examination on March 1 revealed the massive cache of concealed Tramadol tablets.
Nine Officials on Police Inquiry Bail
Nine public officers are currently on police inquiry bail as investigations continue. They include:
- Five Customs officers
- One officer from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC)
- One Port Security officer
- One officer from the Energy Commission
- One officer from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
The importer and the declarant have also been detained and handed over to police to assist with the ongoing probe.
One of the Largest Pharmaceutical Seizures at the Port
Officials say the seized drug haul far surpasses legally allowed dosages for the local market, raising public health concerns amid wider efforts to curb opioid trafficking into Ghana. The massive interception underscores intensified border surveillance and intelligence efforts by Customs and partner agencies.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the concealment and the roles of those arrested as Ghana steps up its fight against illicit narcotics and corruption at key trade gateways.
