Authorities at Ghana’s Tema Port have seized a massive shipment of over 500,000 units of high-strength Tramadol tablets and capsules, hidden within cargo linked to Hayaq Logistics.
The discovery was made by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in partnership with the Customs Division as part of a wider crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical imports.
The intercepted drugs, branded as KIMAKING Tramadol, were found in two separate batches and had been deliberately misdeclared in the shipping documents.
Officials say this was a clear attempt to slip the shipment through regulatory checks unnoticed.
“This seizure is yet another warning that we are strengthening our border control systems to clamp down on the unlawful importation of pharmaceuticals and other contraband. Illegal trade in drugs like Tramadol undermines public health, finances criminal networks, and must be stopped at all costs,” a GRA official said.
Tramadol, a powerful opioid, is classified as a controlled substance in Ghana due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Importing it requires special authorisation from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), permissions the seized cargo did not have.
Officials believe the concealment tactic points to growing sophistication among smugglers and highlights the need for continued vigilance at the country’s busiest port.
The detained shipment is now under investigation, with legal action likely to follow.
Meanwhile, the GRA and Customs have pledged to increase surveillance and coordination with other agencies to stop the flow of unapproved drugs into the country.
