Officials at the Tema Port have intercepted a major shipment of high-strength Tramadol tablets and capsules concealed within cargo linked to Hayaq Logistics. The seizure, led by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in collaboration with the Customs Division, uncovered over 500,000 units of KIMAKING-branded Tramadol—a potent opioid that is tightly regulated in Ghana due to its high potential for abuse.

Authorities revealed that the intercepted cargo was deliberately misdeclared to evade detection, a violation of several provisions under both the Revenue Administration Act and the Customs Act. The goods have since been detained, and an investigation has been launched into the attempted smuggling operation.

“This operation highlights our increased efforts to strengthen border controls and shut down the illegal importation of pharmaceuticals and other prohibited goods,” a GRA official stated. “Smuggling drugs like Tramadol not only poses serious public health risks but also fuels organized crime. We will not tolerate it.”

Tramadol is a controlled substance in Ghana, and its importation requires specific authorization and licensing from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The intercepted shipment lacked the necessary approvals, raising red flags among port security and customs officials.

The seizure underscores growing concerns about the evolving methods used by smugglers to bypass regulatory checks at Ghana’s busiest port. Authorities are now intensifying surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and inter-agency cooperation to disrupt similar illicit activities.

Legal proceedings are expected to follow as investigators work to determine the full extent of the smuggling network involved. In the meantime, the GRA and Customs Division reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Ghana’s borders and public health from the dangers of unauthorized pharmaceuticals.