CEPS Impounds 150 Drums of Suspected Illegally Imported Ethanol in Tamale

The Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in the Northern Region of Ghana has intercepted and impounded two trucks loaded with 150 drums of a chemical compound suspected be ethanol on the Nanton-Tamale road.

The goods which were loaded from Bolgatanga market according to the CEPS officials who interrogated the drivers of the two vehicles were bound for a destination somewhere in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

Briefing journalists on the seized goods at the Northern Regional Command Headquarters of CEPS, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Okoh Appiah, said the two trucks loaded with the drums of ethanol had been sent to the Regional Office of the Bureau of National Investigations pending further investigations.

“We suspect the seized goods to be ethanol, a chemical product used by breweries. But its wholesomeness is what we doubt. So we have taken samples of them to CEPS laboratory in Accra for testing and confirmation. If it proves finally that it is ethanol and wholesome for consumption then we will move to the next step.

“Talking about the next step, the goods currently do not have any documents covering their importation. And if there are no official documents covering their importation, then that means they were illegally imported into the country and the owner who is yet to report herself to us is likely to pay a revenue duty of about GH₵100,000.00”, he explained.   

Dr. Appiah appealed to the general public to assist his officers to enable government realizes its revenue targets so that the needed development could also be achieved. “The public shouldn’t attempt to take advantage of the porous nature of our borders and smuggle in goods which they don’t pay duty on. 

“We’re very alert and if we don’t catch you entering the country with contraband goods through the unapproved routes we will definitely catch you on your way to the market or in the market”, he urged.