NACOC seizes Tramadol container at Tema Port

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in a joint operation with Customs officials, has intercepted a 20-foot container loaded with illegal pharmaceutical substances at Tema Port.

The seizure, made around 4:40 p.m., uncovered ninety-nine cartons of TRAMAL-X120, a banned formulation containing 120 mg of Tramadol and Carisoprodol, well above Ghana’s legal limit of 100 mg. Some quantity of sisal fiber was also found packed alongside the contraband.

The container, which was initially declared as general cargo, was flagged and thoroughly inspected. Authorities discovered the concealed narcotics during the unstuffing process.

This operation comes weeks after another major bust on May 7, where three key suspects linked to an inter-regional drug trafficking ring were arrested during a coordinated raid in Atimpoku, Eastern Region.

The Atimpoku operation, conducted after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, targeted multiple hideouts. Security officers recovered significant quantities of suspected narcotic substances along with packaging and processing equipment.

Although the substances await official lab confirmation, NACOC believes they form part of a larger drug distribution network that spans multiple regions.

The identities of the three suspects have not been disclosed, pending further investigation. However, NACOC officials say they have been on the Commission’s radar for months due to their suspected involvement in the supply and distribution of illegal drugs.

“This is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking in the region,” said a senior NACOC officer. “We remain committed to dismantling these networks to protect public safety.”

The suspects are currently in custody and are assisting authorities. Formal charges are expected in the coming days.