Police, FDA arrest drug pedlars

A joint team from the Ashanti regional Police Drug Law Enforcement Unit and the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) have arrested two persons for importing and selling prohibited and unregistered drugs.

The two, Margaret Mensah, alias Akua, 25, and Samira Abdul-Kadir, 30, were arrested at French Line near Alabar in Kumasi.

According to FDA officials, quantities of unregistered drugs were found during an inspection carried out at their shops.

Police later arrested seven Nigerians who were selling the drugs supplied to them by the importers.

Briefing journalists at a news conference on Friday 7 July, 2017, Ashanti regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Juliana Obeng, cautioned the general public to desist from buying drugs from unapproved sources.

She said: “The names of these suspects are given as Margaret Mensah alias Akua, 25, and Samira Abdul-Kadir, 30, and…these two persons are Ghanaians. An inspection in their shop revealed quantity of suspected assorted drugs. When examined by officials from the FDA, they were found not to be registered drugs.

“Some of the prohibited drugs found in their shops were Pharmadol 225mg, [Ibupru Plus], [Devagra 150mg], [Black Cobra 150mg] and other liquids in plastic bottles locally called ‘Awinchi’ which in Hausa language means ‘Wash Your Heart’.

“The suspects alleged that the liquid substance is supplied to them by one Zakari [Yahu] who is part of these suspects. We also found other drugs that had the inscription in Chinese language. Two suspects Margaret and Samira have admitted to have sold the drugs to the seven suspects and have also mentioned that they imported the drugs from neighbouring Togo to Ghana to sell to the general public. All suspects are in police custody to assist in investigations whilst the drugs are being sent for forensic analysis.

“We take the opportunity to advise the general public to be alert and cautious of the medication they consume, especially those they buy from uncertified shops.”

The Ashanti regional principal regulatory officer at the FDA, Nora Narkie Terlabi, added that her office would strengthen its collaboration with relevant agencies to clamp down on persons engaging in unauthorised drug trade.