Customs officials at the Takoradi Port have thwarted a major smuggling attempt by intercepting approximately 25 million tablets of suspected illicit drugs hidden in two 40-foot containers falsely declared as containing ceiling fans.
The seizure occurred during an intelligence-driven operation at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited terminal, where frontline officers identified suspicious packaging inconsistencies during standard inspections, prompting an alert to higher authorities.
Takoradi Sector Commander Walter Blankson promptly directed that the containers be secured under strict surveillance to avoid tampering. A full unstuffing followed, revealing the contraband.
The examination involved key stakeholders, including personnel from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the declarant, Maxwell Boateng.
Hidden among legitimate cartons of ceiling fans were the estimated 25 million tablets, suspected to be Tapentadol and Timaking—potent pharmaceuticals often abused illicitly—along with thousands of undeclared electrical appliances.
Customs has confiscated the tablets, with samples dispatched to the Customs Chemist for forensic testing. The rest of the consignment is secured at the State Warehouse in Takoradi as investigations proceed.
Officials attribute the breakthrough to the alertness of port personnel and effective multi-agency teamwork, which they say is vital in safeguarding Ghana’s borders against illegal trade that poses severe threats to public health and security.
Maxwell Boateng, the declarant, is in NACOC custody and is cooperating with authorities to trace the shipment’s owner and uncover the full smuggling network.