Customs seizes illicit tobacco products worth GH¢7.9m
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully confiscating a substantial quantity of illicit tobacco products smuggled into the country through unapproved border routes.
The street value of the confiscated products is estimated at GH¢7.9 million (GH¢7,951,238.39).
This action marks a crucial step in the GRA’s ongoing commitment to combat the smuggling, importation, and sale of illicit tobacco products that have been infiltrating the Ghanaian markets.
According to a statement signed by Mrs. Florence Asante, Assistant Commissioner for Communication and Public Affairs at GRA, the confiscated products were illicitly brought into Ghanaian territory, violating the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, and the Tobacco Control Regulations (TCR), 2016 (L.I. 2247).
The statement emphasized the legal framework governing tobacco products, citing Section 16 of the TCR, which prohibits the manufacturing, importing, exporting, supplying, possessing, or offering for sale of illicit tobacco or tobacco products.
Additionally, Section 15 of the Regulations stipulates that a person shall not manufacture, import, or sell a tobacco or tobacco product unless it is registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Among the brands seized were Oris Double Apple, Business Royals, Gold Seal, Bon, Yes, and Business Kings.
Mrs. Asante revealed that none of these brands met the standard requirements mandated by Ghanaian laws, including graphic health warnings, the “For Sale in Ghana” inscription, and Ghana Tax Stamps.
She announced that ongoing investigations aim to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for this illicit trade.
The GRA, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, is committed to ensuring the arrest, prosecution, and appropriate sanctions for those involved.
Furthermore, Mrs. Asante disclosed that all seized products would be destroyed following legal protocols. She appealed to the public to report any information on warehouses or illicit storage locations used for hoarding these products.
Such reports are crucial in the fight against illegal trade, safeguarding the nation’s revenue, and protecting legitimate businesses.
The GRA seeks the cooperation of the public to curb the illicit trade of tobacco products in the country.
