Custom officers arranging the seized opioids
Opioid drugs en route to Niger, valued at GH¢20 million, have been intercepted at Tema Port.
The drugs, part of a consignment containing various restricted pharmaceutical substances, were seized through the efforts of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The intercepted shipment included 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg, 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg, 190 cartons of Loperamide 2 mg, and 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate.
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stated that the seizure underscores the government’s commitment to preventing Ghana from being used as a transit point for opioid trafficking.
Speaking to the media at the port, he emphasised the government’s determination to combat opioid smuggling.
He assured that while trade facilitation remains a priority, measures will be taken to ensure that the country does not become a safe haven for illegal drug shipments.
“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be a safe haven for opioids. And let me tell you that the president is personally interested in this matter. On my way here, he called me twice, and it tells you how important and critical this particular issue is,” Mr. Akandoh stated.
By Ernest Kofi Adu