The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has disclosed the seizure of some pistols and ammunition at the Tema Port.
The arms and ammunition were found to have been concealed in personal effects, made up of clothing, shoes and bags, among other items, on arrival on Friday, October 9, 2020.
A statement signed by Assistant Commissioner, Communication & Public Affair, Mrs Florence Asante, confirmed that port authorities impounded a 20-footer container, which was supposed to contain only household goods, personal effects and a carding machine.
“After examination, eighteen packages identified as restricted items were found in the container. These include 436 Pistols (Side Arms), 26 packs of 50 pieces of Ammunition and 1 (40ml) piece of Pepper Spray,” the statement noted.
It further noted that the items had been imported into the country without the necessary permits from the Ministry of Interior, adding that the items had also not been declared to Customs on arrival.
“An inventory of the items was taken in the presence of officers of the Preventive wing of the Customs Division (Intelligence & Examination Officer), Bureau of National Investigations, National Security and the Police. All representatives, including the clearing agent signed against the total number of arms and ammunitions seized. A seizure notice was issued to the clearing agent and the seized consignment was placed in the custody of the Customs Division,” it added.
Measures undertaken
The GRA said the arms and ammunition are currently being kept in the custody of the Customs Division while a seizure notice was also issued to the clearing agent.
The clearing agent at the centre of the seizure is also currently assisting the Tema Harbour Police command with the investigation.
“The clearing agent is currently assisting the Tema Harbour Police Command with the investigation. Meanwhile, the Customs Division has provided the Police with the necessary information,” the statement indicated.
Meanwhile, the GRA has condemned comments which suggest that the Authority intends keeping the seized consignment for some “big men.”
“The Ghana Revenue Authority finds it worrying, mischievous and premature any information that seeks to imply that the seized ammunition is being kept for onward release to some ‘big men’. The outcome of the investigations by the Police on the restricted items will be made public when it is concluded,” it noted.
The Authority cautioned all importers that “the importation of arms and ammunition can be carried out only with a permit by the Ministry of Interior and these items must be declared on importation.”
It further assured the public that the Customs Division would not relent on its regulatory duties at the nation’s ports and other points of entry to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Source: dailystatesman.com.gh/Isabella Agyakwa
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