Customs officers, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a consignment of illegal opioids valued at over GH₵20 million at the port on March 17, 2025.
The shipment, which was in transit from India to Niger, was seized after it was discovered to contain substances commonly abused by the youth, locally known as “red.”
The seizure, led by the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division, prompted swift legal action from the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who secured a court order for the immediate destruction of the drugs.
The confiscated drugs identified as Tafradol (128 boxes), Timaking Tapendole (92 boxes), and Rahol Tapentadol (10 boxes)totaled 230 boxes.
These are highly addictive synthetic opioids often misused for their euphoric effects, especially among young people in urban and rural centers.
Health authorities say their circulation poses a serious public health threat. The contraband was incinerated at the premises of Vigour DW Waste Management in Ashaiman under tight security and the full glare of the media.
Speaking during the destruction exercise, Minister of Health Hon. Akandoh emphasized the government’s resolve to clamp down on the growing menace of opioid abuse.
“We are not going to let our ports become a passageway for substances that destroy lives. Today’s action is a signal that Ghana will not be a safe haven for such illicit trade,” he stated.
Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mrs. Delese Mimi Darko, disclosed that the Authority has intensified surveillance efforts.
“We now run 24-hour surveillance at all major ports. We are determined to intercept any illegal substances and apprehend the culprits behind such operations,” she said.
She further urged the public, particularly parents, to be vigilant and report suspicious drug activities in their communities.
The operation was a joint effort involving the Ministry of Health, FDA, the Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division, and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
