The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted a shipment which contained opioid drugs reportedly worth GHS 20m. The shipment was en route to Niger, it’s intended final destination.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana does not become a transit point for the trafficking of these deadly drugs.
He mentioned that although government seeks to improve trade in the country, the trade of deadly drugs like opioids will not be allowed to take root in Ghana.
Addressing the press at the port, Mr. Akandoh said, “Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to become 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.”
The seized shipment included:
Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg – 26 cartons
Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg – 160 cartons
Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg – 40 cartons
Loperamide 2 mg – 190 cartons
Chlorpheniramine Maleate – 320 cartons
Following a BBC exposure on trafficking of opioids in African countries, concerns have been raised regarding the influx of dangerous opioid drugs in the country, and fingers have been pointed at Customs Division, which is supposed to make various checks at the country’s checkpoints including, Takoradi, Tema and Kotoka International Airport, to ensure that illegal items including dangerous drugs and arms are prevented from entering the country.
However, there have been complaints of complacency and bribery amongst the customs officers and the required authorities including Food and Drugs authority (FDA) and Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) that must be alerted before clearance is made for medicinal products, are not being informed by the customs.
Source: Dehotpress
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