The exercise, conducted between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, was led by the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, with support from the Tema Collection’s Preventive Unit, the National Security Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce, and officers from Customs Headquarters.
Officials say the trucks were part of a consignment of 18 vehicles declared as goods in transit from Akanu to Niger via Kulungugu. Although electronically cleared from the Customs system, the trucks were allegedly moving without the mandatory customs escort — a serious breach of transit regulations.
Authorities estimate that more than GH¢85 million in taxes is at stake. The 12 intercepted trucks were carrying 44,055 packages of edible oil, tomato paste and spaghetti.
Eleven of the trucks have been secured at the GPHA Transit Terminal under Customs supervision, while the contents of one vehicle that developed a mechanical fault are being transferred.
Customs officials are currently tracking the remaining six trucks that were electronically cleared but have not yet been physically accounted for.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has directed the Commissioner-General of the GRA to conclude investigations within one week. He disclosed that two customs officers connected to the case are being tracked as part of the probe.
GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong has warned that the authority will apply the full force of the law, including confiscation, against any individuals or businesses found culpable.
Authorities say the operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb revenue leakages and enforce strict compliance with customs laws.
Source:myjoyonline.com
