A/R: Seized fake baby diapers destroyed in Kumasi

A consignment of counterfeit baby diapers has been seized at the Asafo Interchange in Kumasi, sparking a cross-border investigation into a suspected smuggling ring with ties to Nigeria.

The products were intercepted three weeks ago while being offloaded from a truck that had been trailed from Accra by National Security operatives.

According to a report from the agency, checks revealed that the port duty documents accompanying the goods were forged.

Subsequent laboratory tests conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) confirmed that the diapers were fake and posed serious health risks to the public.

Acting on the FDA’s recommendation, National Security transferred the seized items on 20 August 2025 to Zoomlion’s Medical Waste Treatment Plant, where they were scientifically destroyed.

Deputy Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Tapsoba Alhassan, briefed the media on the operation.

“We followed the truck to Asafo Interchange, where the goods were being offloaded. Our officers initially purchased a pack for inspection and later demanded documentation. Customs confirmed the documents were fake, leading to the seizure,” he explained.

Alhaji Tapsoba disclosed that several individuals have since contacted the National Security Office claiming ownership of the consignment, but none have appeared in person.

“Since the seizure, a caller has repeatedly contacted our office, promising to come for negotiations, but the person never shows up. That has been a major challenge,” he said.

Investigations have traced the origin of the diapers to Nigeria, although the importers remain at large. Authorities are now focusing on identifying local collaborators in Kumasi while intensifying efforts to apprehend the alleged Nigerian ringleaders.

“Reliable intelligence confirms the leaders are Nigerian nationals, and we are working hard to arrest them,” Alhaji Tapsoba added.