HEALTH

PHOTOS: FDA destroys massive haul of opioids seized in joint operation

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has begun the safe disposal of a significant quantity of unregistered, high-strength opioid drugs that were illegally imported into Ghana.

The destruction exercise follows a court order secured by the FDA after the drugs were seized during a joint inspection operation conducted on March 14, 2025.

The operation involved the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

According to the FDA, the seized drugs included:

  • 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol (250mg)
  • 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol (120mg)
  • 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol (120mg)
  • 4 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol (250mg)

Tapentadol is a powerful opioid used for severe pain management, and its unregulated importation raises major public health and safety concerns.

In a Facebook post on Friday, the Authority stated, “The FDA is safely disposing of a massive haul of unregistered, high-strength opioids that were illegally imported into the country…”

Authorities say the move is part of broader efforts to clamp down on the trafficking of illicit pharmaceuticals and protect public health in Ghana.

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

Related Articles

Back to top button