The Ministry of Health has destroyed a large consignment of illicit opioid-containing drugs that entered the country under suspicious circumstances.
The destroyed consignment included 128 boxes of Tafrodol, 92 boxes of Timaking Tapertado, and 10 boxes of Rahol Tapentadol, totalling 230 boxes of opioids. The consignment posed significant risks to public health, with the potential for widespread misuse and addiction, particularly among the youth.
The destruction exercise took place at Vigour-DW Enterprise, a waste management specialist in Ashaiman, under the supervision of key regulatory and legal authorities. The operation was carried out in strict accordance with a court order.
In a rare and symbolic demonstration of its resolve, the Ministry opted to publicly incinerate the drugs. Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that the action was not only to eliminate the harmful substances but also to send a strong warning to those engaged in the illegal drug trade.
“We will not stop here. After the safe disposal of this consignment, we will further investigate the clearing agent and the importer, and hand them over to the Attorney General for prosecution,” he affirmed.
The Minister also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious drug-related activities to the authorities. “We all have a role to play in protecting our communities,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to keeping the public safe and continuing its efforts to safeguard the well-being of all citizens, as well as the productivity of the country.
The event was witnessed by the Registrar of the High Court, representatives from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the Ministry of Health, and members of the media.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens and sustaining the productivity and prosperity of the nation.
