How intercepted illicit drugs were concealed in ceiling fan containers at Ghana's port

An intelligence-led operation by Ghana Customs officials at the Takoradi Port has led to the interception of a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs hidden in two 40-footer containers at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL) terminal.

The containers, which were earlier declared as carrying ceiling fans, were flagged during routine inspections after frontline customs officers noticed irregular packaging that raised suspicion.

Auditor-General flags airport security lapses as over 2,000 guns were intercepted in 2023

According to a citinewsroom.com report on January 14, 2026, the discovery was promptly reported to management, triggering heightened security measures.

Acting on the alert, the Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, ordered that the containers be placed under strict surveillance to prevent tampering, while further investigations were initiated.

The containers were subsequently unstuffed for a detailed examination.

The inspection exercise was carried out in collaboration with officials from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), as well as the declarant, Maxwell Boateng.

During the operation, officers uncovered an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit Tapentadol and Timaking drugs concealed within cartons of ceiling fans.

In addition to the drugs, thousands of undeclared electrical appliances were also found in the containers.

The seized tablets have been secured, with samples forwarded to the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis.

Two arrested with 1,613 parcels of suspected narcotics

The remaining items have been transferred to the State Warehouse in Takoradi as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the declarant, Maxwell Boateng, is currently in the custody of the Narcotics Control Commission and is assisting investigations aimed at identifying the owners of the containers and possibly unraveling the full network behind the attempted importation.

Customs officials have intercepted about 25 million suspected illicit tablets concealed in ceiling fan containers at the Takoradi Port.

In a related development, the Narcotics Control Commission (NARCOC) has detained a clearing agent in connection with the 25-million illicit… pic.twitter.com/9FJG6DGc38

— THE STATE NEWS (@THESTATENEWSS) January 14, 2026