MoH, FDA dispose unregistered, high-dose opioids consignment

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has safely disposed of a massive haul of unregistered, high-strength opioids that were illegally imported into the country.

The destruction follows a court order secured by the FDA after a successful joint inspection and seizure operation conducted on March 14, 2025.

Speaking at Vigour DW Enterprise, Ashaiman, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting public health and preventing the illegal circulation of dangerous substances.

“After impounding the consignment, we swiftly sought and obtained a court order for its destruction"

"The court provided clear directives on the venue and required witnesses to ensure transparency. Present at the disposal exercise were officials from the Registrar of the High Court, the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ministry of Science and Environment"

"We have been here since 10 a.m. to witness the full procedure, and by the grace of God, we have completed the process of packing them for incineration,” Minister Akandoh stated.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

The specific consignment of opioids that were safely disposed of 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)

Minister Akandoh reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure the proper and safe disposal of such substances to prevent them from falling into the hands of citizens, particularly the youth.

“This is the only way we can safeguard our country from the devastating effects of these unregulated drugs. Our work, however, does not end here. After ensuring the safe disposal of these consignments, we will further investigate and interrogate the client agent and the importer"

"Our information suggests that the importer is not Ghanaian, and the consignment was being transported to Niger. We are currently engaging with the Nigerian government to determine whether they will allow such consignments into their country,” he noted.

The Health Minister assured the public that the government remains vigilant and committed to intercepting and eliminating illegal drug imports that pose a risk to public health and safety.

On her part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Darko warned about the severe health risks associated with unregulated opioid use and reiterated the agency’s commitment to stringent regulatory enforcement.

“These drugs pose a significant danger to public health. The immediate effects include confusion, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), hypertension, or even hypotension"

"Users can experience hallucinations, leading them to perceive non-existent threats, such as believing a lion is present when there isn’t one"

"Over time, these substances can cause depression and, ultimately, death. One of the most concerning side effects is addiction, which worsens the situation because users continually seek higher doses, leading to even more severe health consequences,” Dr. Darko stated.

She emphasized that regulatory measures are being strictly enforced to curb the illegal importation and distribution of these drugs.

“We have put in place firm regulations, including an effective directive from the Minister that restricts the importation of Tramadol above 100mg"

"Other unregistered opioid products are not allowed into the country. However, we have seen illegal sales occurring, especially in the north and in Accra, where individuals sell them in strips. When we identify these cases, we immediately seize and destroy the products to prevent public exposure,” she added.

Dr. Darko also highlighted the challenges of regulating transit consignments, which are protected under international customs conventions.

However, in this case, the FDA, NACOC, and Customs collaborated to obtain a court order for the destruction of the consignment.

“This consignment, like a few others, was meant for transit. According to international customs protocols, such goods are not typically accessible for inspection"

"However, we supported the effort to secure a court order from the court, allowing us to intercept and safely dispose of them. NACOC previously managed to do the same last year, setting a precedent for stricter enforcement,” she explained.

Dr. Darko assured the public that the FDA remains committed to intercepting and eliminating illegal drug imports that pose a risk to public health and safety.

She also reaffirmed that investigations are ongoing to track those responsible for the attempted importation of the seized opioids.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith