THE CUSTOMS Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday seized some weapons at the Tema Port.
The container, described on arrival at the Tema Port as containing personal effects and household goods, was flagged and impounded by the officials at the port.
Interestingly, the agents disappeared from the port, upon sensing danger when they found the illegal goods during examination.
However, officials have mounted a manhunt for the arrest of the owners of the consignment as preliminary investigation goes on.
Confirming the interception in an interview with the media at the Tema Port, Revenue Officer (RO) Charles Okrah, officer-in-charge of the Car Park, said “The items were intercepted during our normal routine work. We examined the consignment to see whether it was the same as the one which was entered and declared for duty payment.”
According to him, the item, which was brought as part of a consolidated (door-to-door) cargo, was not declared, until an examination revealed it.
He said it was illegal to import rifles when the necessary procedure had not been fulfilled, adding that Customs is vigilant and will arrest anyone who tries to beat the system.
Charles Okrah said the importers did not have permit to import the restricted items but concealed the items against the law.
The consignment has been dispatched to senior authorities for further investigation, he stated.
Mr. Okrah believes that this feat was a signal to all those who might be planning to bring any harmful items into the country.
He appealed to the general public, especially border dwellers, to provide credible information for effective border security.
Meanwhile, an inventory of the items has been taken in the presence of officers of the Preventive wing of the Customs Division (Intelligence & Examination Office), National Intelligence Bureau, National Security and the Police.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema