Two Ghanaians, seven Nigerians arrested for trading fake drugs

A joint Police and Military team has arrested two Ghanaian women and seven Nigerians for selling unregistered and prohibited drugs in the Ashanti region.

The arrests were made with the help of officials from the Food and Drugs Authority.

The two women, 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 assorted unregistered drugs were found after a thorough search was conducted at their shops.

The Police later arrested the seven Nigerians who were selling the drugs supplied to them by the two women.

Briefing journalists at a news conference, Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Juliana Obeng cautioned the general public to desist from buying drugs from unapproved sources.

“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 quantities 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 Plu, 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 having 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 with 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 who buy from uncertified shops.”

Ashanti regional principal regulatory officer at the FDA, Nora Narkie Teyelabie said her outfit will strengthen its collaboration with relevant agencies to clamp down on persons engaging in such acts.