Officials from the Eastern Corridor Monitoring Team of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted a shipment of 11,200 counterfeit wax prints, hidden within an assorted merchandise in a 40-footer container.
Additionally, the team confiscated 6,000 mobile phones concealed within assorted goods. These illicit items were discovered at the Dabala checkpoint following a tip-off received by the Customs Division of the GRA.
It is suspected that the importers of these goods were attempting to evade taxes. Notably, the importers declared only 98 full pieces out of the 11,200 wax prints, which were valued at GH¢1.3 million. They paid a duty of GH¢24,000 on these declared items along with the assorted merchandise.
Senior Revenue Officer Dari Abdallah, the head of the Eastern Corridor Monitoring Team, emphasized the importance of diligent checks at the border due to the sophistication of smugglers and the use of unapproved routes. Customs officials often rely on informants to apprehend illegal importers.
Upon a thorough examination, it was revealed that the hidden consignments contained wax prints.
The owner of the goods confessed and offered to pay a penalty, although at a reduced rate compared to the required 100%.
Emmanuel Parker, the Second-in-Command at Aflao Collection, highlighted the challenge posed by the influx of smuggled goods through the vast and porous borders.
He called for increased logistics and customs personnel presence to combat smuggling activities along the Eastern Corridor. Parker emphasized the need to address this issue, as smugglers frequently adapt to border closure measures by using alternative routes.