Authorities at the Tema Port have intercepted a shipment of unauthorized opioid pharmaceuticals valued at GH₵20 million.

The consignment, which was reportedly in transit to Niger, was seized in a joint operation involving multiple enforcement agencies.

The intercepted drugs, labelled only as "Made in India" without any manufacturing details, included:

Tafrodol – 160 cartons Tapentadol – 26 cartons Timakins – 40 cartons Loperamide and Puritin – unspecified quantities

Officials noted that the potency and volume of the drugs far exceeded the limits set by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), raising concerns about their intended use.

Although the shipment was officially declared as transit goods bound for Niger, authorities identified irregularities in its documentation, making it a customs offence.

Dr. Mimi Darko, Chief Executive of the Food and Drugs Authority, cautioned that drug traffickers are increasingly shifting from hard narcotics to highly potent prescription medications, posing a significant public health risk.

 

Health Minister Mintah Akandoh, who was present at the port during the operation, expressed deep concern over the rising abuse of pharmaceutical drugs.

He called for stricter monitoring and enforcement measures to curb the illegal trade of such substances.