In a significant crackdown on illicit drug smuggling, the Keta Divisional Police Command in the Volta Region has arrested three suspects for allegedly transporting hard drugs, ‘Taramaking,’ from Togo to Accra through the land borders.
The suspects, whose names have been withheld, were apprehended at a police barrier on the Accra-Aflao road on February 24, at about 15:30 hours, on an STC bus carrying the contraband, bearing registration number GG 1736-19.
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 intelligence about the police interception and conducted a follow-up investigation to verify the facts.
“Our findings confirmed the seizure of 120 milligrams 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 the market value of the seized drugs is estimated at GH₵1.4 million and emphasized that if the drugs had not been intercepted, they would have ended up in the market, which could lead to widespread abuse and harm to public health.
He stated that the 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. He commended the police for their vigilance.
“We have men monitoring the borders at Akanu, Kpoglu, and Aflao around the clock to crack down on any illegal activities,” he added.
“Our investigation revealed that the seized drugs (Taramaking tablets) may be coming from Togo or another country, and the FDA is issuing a warning to potential culprits to stop such illicit activities. 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. Their efforts are deemed crucial in safeguarding public health and preventing the abuse of illicit substances.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) 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 en route to Accra has been apprehended by the Keta Police and will face the law.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities to help curb the menace of drug smuggling.
Source: GNA
