In a significant crackdown on illicit drug smuggling, the Keta Divisional Police Command in the Volta Region have arrested three suspects for allegedly transporting hard drugs, ‘Taramaking,’ from Togo to Accra through the land borders.
The suspects, names withheld, were apprehended at a Police barrier on the Accra-Aflao road on February 24, at about 1530 hours on an STC bus carrying the contraband, bearing registration number GG 1736-19.
Mr Gorden Akurugu, Head of the Volta Region Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that the FDA received intel about the Police interception and conducted a follow-up investigation to verify the facts.
“Our findings confirmed the seizure of 120 milligrammes of Taramaking, which exceeded the normal registration threshold. Moreover, it is not a registered product with the Food and Drugs Authority, and the executive instrument prohibits the sale of tramadol in the country,” he explained.
He said market value of the seized drugs is estimated at GH₵1.4 million and emphasised that if the drugs had not been intercepted, it would have ended up in the market, which could lead to widespread abuse and harm to the public health.
He said suspects’ actions constituted a clear violation of the law, as no drugs or medicines are allowed to be transported through inland borders, except through Kotoka International Airport and Tema Port and commended the Police for their vigilance.
“We have men which are monitoring the borders at Akanu, Kpoglu, and Aflao around the clock to crackdown any illegal moves,” he added.
“Our investigation revealed that the seized drugs (Tamaraking tablets) may be coming from Togo or any other country, and the FDA is issuing a warning to potential culprits to stop such illicit activities, and all authorities are working to unravel the entire smuggling network.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any information that could aid in the investigation.”
He pledged that the Food and Drugs Authority would continue to monitor the borders together with the security agencies to prevent the entry of unregistered and harmful products, while their efforts are deemed crucial in safeguarding public health and preventing the abuse of illicit substances.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Seth Adu-Boahen, Keta Divisional Commander, confirmed the arrest to the GNA and revealed that the suspect, who allegedly placed the drugs
on the STC bus enroute to Accra has been apprehended by the Keta Police and would face the law.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities to help curb the menace of drug smuggling.
GNA