Ghana Customs officials at the Takoradi Port have intercepted an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit drugs concealed in two 40-foot containers, following an intelligence-led operation at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL) terminal.
The interception came after frontline Customs officers detected unusual packaging patterns during routine inspections. The discovery immediately raised suspicion and was escalated to management. Acting promptly, the Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, ordered that the containers be placed under tight surveillance to prevent any interference.
Subsequently, the containers were fully unstuffed in a coordinated operation involving key state agencies, including the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the declarant, Maxwell Boateng.
The inspection uncovered an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit Tapentadol and Timaking drugs, carefully concealed among cartons of ceiling fans. Officers also discovered thousands of undeclared electrical appliances, indicating possible customs violations beyond the suspected drug trafficking.
The seized tablets have been secured, with samples taken by the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis, while the remaining goods have been transferred to the State Warehouse in Takoradi pending further investigations.
Customs officials say the successful interception underscores the importance of vigilant frontline officers and strong inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Ghana’s borders against illicit trade and the serious public health and security risks associated with illegal drugs.
