Ghana Customs officials at the Takoradi Port in the Western Region have seized an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit drugs concealed in shipping containers disguised as ceiling fan consignments, authorities have confirmed.

The discovery was made during an intelligence‑led operation at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited after frontline officers noticed unusual packaging patterns during routine inspections and alerted customs management.

Acting on the tip‑off, the Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, placed the two 40‑foot containers under surveillance before directing a full unstuffing.

The operation was carried out with support from several agencies, including the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau and the Food and Drugs Authority.

Inside the containers, officials uncovered millions of tablets suspected to be Tapentadol and Timaking, hidden among legitimate consignments of ceiling fans and thousands of undeclared electrical appliances.

Samples of the seized tablets have been sent to the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis, while the remaining seized goods are being held at the State Warehouse in Takoradi pending further investigations.

The declarant, Maxwell Boateng, is currently in custody with the Narcotics Control Commission and is assisting authorities in identifying the owners of the containers.

Ghana Customs said the interception highlights the importance of vigilant frontline officers and strong interagency cooperation in protecting the nation’s borders and public health from the dangers posed by illicit pharmaceutical trafficking.