The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has successfully intercepted a shipment of illegal firearms, including 53 pistols, 65 live rounds of ammunition, 74 magazines, and a PC holster, at the Golden Jubilee Terminal at Tema Port.
The items were concealed within a 40-foot container that had arrived at the port on November 4, 2024.
The container, which was declared to contain vehicles and personal effects, was later found to contain the illegal weapons.
The firearms, which were imported from the United States, were discovered during a routine inspection on November 15, 2024. Customs officers, along with the declarant and the importer’s representative uncovered the pistols, magazines, and ammunition hidden inside three separate suitcases.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, November 20, the Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier Zibrim Ayorrogo, confirmed that the items were intercepted on November 4. He noted that the container, with the number MEDU4496951, had been declared to contain vehicles and personal effects. Ayorrogo also emphasized that the firearms had been imported from the United States.
After the discovery, he said the Customs team immediately alerted the GRA Intelligence and Investigations Unit, as well as the Preventive Unit. Personnel from these units confirmed the presence of the firearms and related items, which were subsequently seized. A thorough examination of the remaining items in the container was also conducted, and all items were detained for further investigation.
He revealed that the agent and the consignee’s representative were arrested and interrogated regarding the illegal shipment. The suspects were then transferred to the Marine and Railway Police Station in Tema for further investigation. The authorities have assured that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
