The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted a massive shipment of undeclared tramadol at Tema Port in an intelligence-led operation.
The seized container (No. TGHU6228715), originating from the United Arab Emirates, contained 299 cartons with 146,932,000 tablets (250mg and 225mg) of tramadol hydrochloride, weighing 34,847.2 kilograms. The shipment had been falsely declared as household items, including kettles, blenders, pressing irons, and energy-saving bulbs.
The operation followed intelligence received by the Customs Preventive Unit, leading to the container’s detention on 26 February 2026 and a joint re-examination on March 1, 2026, which uncovered the concealed narcotics.
Nine Public Officers, including five Customs officers and representatives from other state agencies — have been arrested and placed under police inquiry bail in connection with the seizure.
The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwesi Sarpong, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening border controls, protecting public health, safeguarding national security, and preserving the integrity of Ghana’s revenue systems.
The GRA emphasized that Ghana’s ports remain under strict surveillance and that illicit trade and criminal exploitation of the country’s trade gateways will not be tolerated.
