Akpatoeme, Oct 12, GNA - A large quantity of banned and expired goods seized from importers at the Aflao border, was burnt by the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at Akpatoeme, on Friday at Dzodze in the Volta Region.

They include toothpastes, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, medicated soaps, pirated CDs, mosquito coils, phonographic materials and condoms. The destruction had to be discontinued and shifted to a safer site as the intensity of the flames aided by strong winds ignited a nearby bush and moved towards a village in the area.

The CEPS officials prevented the large crowd of onlookers that besieged the burning site from having access to the goods. Mr Evans Klutse, Assistant Commissioner of CEPS, Commander of Aflao branch, told GNA that the destruction served as warning to importers and the business public that CEPS was up to its task of preventing banned goods from entering the country.

He said CEPS would not renege on its role of safeguarding the health and safety of the consumer.

Mr Klutse said "It is not in any one's interest to seize and destroy goods brought into the country by traders but the health of the people must be safe safeguarded." He stressed that CEPS would not allow the interest of illegitimate importers to override the safety and health concerns of customers. 12 Oct 09 Attention recipients, item 02 ends first cast.