Authorities at Ghana’s Tema Port have seized over 500,000 high-strength Tramadol pills in a major crackdown on illegal drug imports. The consignment, concealed within cargo linked to Hayaq Logistics, was intercepted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Division in what officials describe as one of the largest pharmaceutical busts in recent times.
The illicit shipment included two batches of KIMAKING-branded Tramadol—a powerful opioid classified as a controlled substance in Ghana due to its high potential for abuse. The pills were deliberately misdeclared in an attempt to bypass regulatory checks and avoid detection.
Officials say the seizure violates several sections of the Revenue Administration Act and the Customs Act. “This seizure sends a clear signal that border controls are being tightened,” a GRA spokesperson said. “Illegal drug imports threaten public health, fund criminal operations, and must be stopped at all costs.”
Tramadol’s importation is heavily regulated and requires prior approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The intercepted cargo reportedly lacked the necessary licenses and documentation.
The case has been referred for further investigation, with possible legal action pending against the importers. Meanwhile, the GRA and Customs have pledged to intensify surveillance, improve intelligence coordination, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to combat unauthorized pharmaceutical trafficking.
This latest operation underscores growing concerns about the sophistication of drug smuggling methods being used at Ghana’s busiest commercial port.