National Security Seizes Cooking Oil Trucks
National Security operatives have impounded three articulator trucks carrying thousands of gallons of cooking oil in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, on Wednesday, May 28.
The trucks, with registration numbers T-8082LA (Nigeria), AS 3885-09 (Ghana), and BN 8878 (Burkina Faso), were intercepted after days of surveillance. According to the Head of the Special Monitoring and Intelligence Team at the National Security, Hajia Rashida Mahama, her team had monitored the movement of the trucks from Accra to Kumasi over a four-day period.
Upon inspection, it was revealed that out of a total 6,688 gallons of cooking oil, the agent had only paid import duties on 4,320 gallons. The remaining 2,368 gallons were undeclared and considered smuggled.
“The agent initially claimed the goods were en route to Ivory Coast,” said Hajia Mahama, “but the trucks diverted to Kumasi instead. I will ensure that the agent pays the duties owed on the undeclared 2,368 gallons, which amounts to GH¢1,000,368.80.”
She further cautioned importers and agents to exercise due diligence and comply with all customs procedures to avoid legal consequences and the impoundment of goods by security agencies.
