Street drug hawkers sell narcotics under cover – Expert warns

Governance and International Relations expert Mathias Bonzo-Ewereko Boateng has raised concerns over the growing activities of illegal street drug hawkers, warning that the situation may be more dangerous than it appears.

Speaking on UTV Ghana in Accra, he alleged that while many hawkers openly sell over-the-counter medicines, some are using that as a front to distribute hard drugs.

According to him, substances such as heroin, cocaine, and tramadol are being circulated through these informal channels, posing significant risks to young people.

“Many street drug hawkers are not just selling medicine; they are using it as a cover to sell narcotics like heroin, cocaine, and tramadol, which is destroying the youth,” he stated.

Boateng cautioned that the issue should not be treated as a minor regulatory concern but as a serious and organised problem contributing to rising substance abuse and threatening lives.

He called for stronger enforcement measures, urging regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Pharmacy Council Ghana to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal operators.

He added that any meaningful response must go beyond tackling street hawking alone and also address the hidden narcotics trade, which he believes is quietly affecting many young people across the country.

NA/VPO

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