Nine officers drawn from various state agencies have been arrested and placed under police investigation following the interception of a massive consignment of undeclared Tramadol at the Tema Port.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on March 3, 2026, by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Officers Arrested Across Multiple State Agencies
Those arrested include:
- Five Customs officers
- One officer from the Narcotics Control Commission
- One Port Security officer
- One officer from the Energy Commission
- One officer from the Ghana Standards Authority
The officers are currently assisting police with investigations into the attempted smuggling operation.
146 Million Tramadol Tablets Concealed in Container
According to the GRA, the Customs Division intercepted 146,932,000 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg and 225mg) weighing approximately 34,547.2 kilogrammes.
The tablets were concealed in a shipping container falsely declared as carrying household items.
The shipment originated from the United Arab Emirates and was listed as containing water kettles, kitchen blenders, pressing irons, energy-saving bulbs, and polypropylene materials.
Intelligence-Led Operation
The seizure followed intelligence gathered 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.
A joint re-examination conducted by Customs officers and the Central Revenue Monitoring Team on March 1, 2026, uncovered significant discrepancies. Large quantities of undeclared Tramadol tablets were found hidden among the declared goods.
Following the discovery, the importer and declarant were handed over to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
GRA Reaffirms Zero Tolerance on Illegal Imports
The GRA stressed its commitment to protecting national security, public health, and the integrity of Ghana’s border management systems.
In its statement, the Authority reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal imports and abuse of public office, noting that the case highlights the persistent threat posed by the smuggling of controlled substances into the country.
The Authority further stated that the operation demonstrates the critical importance of intelligence-led enforcement in combating illicit trade and ensuring compliance with national laws.
Seized Consignment Under Strict Control
The confiscated consignment remains under strict Customs control as investigations continue.
Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to hold those involved accountable and to safeguard Ghana’s borders against unlawful activities.
Further updates are expected as police inquiries progress.
