Ghana Customs officials have intercepted a massive consignment of suspected illicit drugs concealed at the Takoradi Port.
According to reports, following an intelligence-led operation at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited terminal, the Ghana Customs officials intercepted two 40-foot containers declared to contain ceiling fans.
Walter Blankson, the Sector Commander for Takoradi, ordered the containers to be placed under tight surveillance after officers detected unusual packaging patterns.
Representatives from the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, and the National Intelligence Bureau were further called to for the inspection.
This led to the discovery of an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit Tapentadol and Timaking drugs concealed among cartons of ceiling fans and undeclared electrical appliances.
The declarant, Maxwell Boateng, is currently being held by the Narcotics Control Commission.
Also, the estimated 25 million tablets were seized and taken to the State Warehouse in Takoradi, with samples taken by the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis,
In related news, two suspect has been arrested by the Tema Regional Police Command over the seizure of 1,643 parcels of suspected narcotics during a recent operation along the Akosombo-Tema road.
The Police, in a statement issued on January 13, 2026 annocuded they acted on intelligence to intercept the shipment, which was being transported from the Volta region to Tema.
The Police in their statement wrote, “The Tema Regional Police Command has intercepted a total of 1,613 parcels of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs in a well-coordinated intelligence operation along the Akosombo-Tema road. This major breakthrough forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking activities in the region.
The operation followed intelligence received on 10th January 2026, indicating that suspected narcotic substances were being transported from the Volta Region toward Tema. Police teams quickly mounted surveillance along the route, focusing on the Agomeda Junction area.
At about 12:45 a.m. on 11th January 2026, two vehicles-a white Toyota Highlander (GS 2013-13) and a black Mitsubishi Pajero (GC 400-22)–were intercepted. The vehicles were driven by suspects Isaac Odoi, 33, and Kwame Mani, 39. A search on the vehicles led to the discovery of several compressed yellow-wrapped parcels suspected to be narcotic drugs.
The suspects were immediately arrested, and both vehicles were escorted to the station for further action. On 12th January 2026, the exhibits and suspects were handed over to the Regional CID, Tema, where photographs and inventories were taken. In total, 872 parcels were found in the Mitsubishi Pajero, while 741 parcels were found in the Toyota Highlander.
The suspects are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations. Samples of the substances will be sent to the Forensic Crime Laboratory for testing, and searches will be conducted at the suspects’ places of residence. The Police are also preparing to process the suspects for court.
The Tema Regional Command remains committed to intensifying operations against drug trafficking and other crimes. We encourage the public to continue sharing credible information to support our security efforts and help keep our communities safe”, the police statement concluded.
See the post below:
BREAKING NEWS: Customs Intercept 25 Million Suspected Illicit Tablets Hidden in Ceiling Fan Containers at Takoradi Port#GBCNews pic.twitter.com/c3WHaYnpFt
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) January 14, 2026