CEPS destroys large quantity of smuggled cigarettes

smokingThe Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in the Upper West region has destroyed 950 bundles of Royal filter cigarettes which were being smuggled to the region for sale.

The cigarettes had a street value of GH¢1,540.88 and would have attracted a tax of about GH¢ 2,911.92.

Mr. Benjamin Suuri, Upper West Sector Commander of CEPS said the cigarettes were intercepted by CEPS officials at the Bole-Kumasi road check point concealed in a vehicle traveling from Kumasi towards Wa.

The owner of the cigarettes escaped into the bush when the contraband goods were intercepted.

He said the cigarettes could have been sold to the public and the amount paid into government coffers but they were also mindful of the health hazards it would cause to smokers, as well as the harm such actions would have on local industries.

Mr. Suuri pointed out that CEPS had been given a very big revenue collection target for the year and they were determined to meet it and would therefore spur no effort in stepping up their vigilance and patrolling of border areas to ensure revenue targets are met.

He advised traders of foreign products to use the approved routes because the consequences would be very grave for them when caught smuggling, as their working capital could be totally wiped out and they could also be prosecuted and jailed.

Source: GNA

1 Comment
  1. SOOR says

    CIGARETTES ARE DANGEROUS AND BAD CANCER FOR HUMAN, NEED TO BE BAN DUE TO HEALTH DANGERS IT BRING NOT ONLY TO SMOKERS BUT PEOPLE AROUND THOSE WHO SMOKE THIS BAD BAD HABIT.

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