Customs intercepts concealed textiles and 10 motorbikes at Techiman checkpoint

Customs officials at the Techiman checkpoint intercepted a significant haul of smuggled goods recently. They seized 97 bales of imitation wax prints and ten unopened Yamaha Aerox motorbikes concealed within a cargo truck registered in Burkina Faso. The truck, bearing the registration number BF2798G303, was detained on November 5, 2026, following a routine inspection by customs officers.

Upon closer examination, the officers discovered the hidden textile bales concealed beneath layers of dry okro powder and empty glass bottles. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the Sunyani Regional Office for a thorough investigation.

The seized items were deemed uncustomed, meaning that the necessary import duties and clearance procedures had not been fulfilled. The estimated duty on the textile consignment amounts to GH¢465,186.90, calculated based on an FOB value of $52,962, along with additional costs such as freight, insurance, import duty, VAT, and other levies.

The seized goods were identified through Notices of Seizure Nos. 0015388, 0015392, 0015393, 0015394, and 0015395, all issued on November 11, 2026. These notices, which cite provisions of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), describe the items as liable to forfeiture.

Among those implicated in the seizure are Sansadogo Mohammed in relation to the motorbikes, and "Dabil" and "Perpetual" in connection with the textile consignment. Those wishing to contest the forfeiture must submit a written claim within one calendar month. Should no claim be filed, the goods may be treated as legally forfeited and disposed of as directed by the Commissioner.

At present, the seized items are stored in the Sunyani Regional Office state warehouse, awaiting further action. This seizure exemplifies the continuous efforts by Customs authorities to combat the concealment and undeclared importation of goods through inland checkpoints.