Ashanti Region: Nine arrested for selling fake drugs

The nine include seven Nigerians and two Ghanaian women.

The Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested nine people in the region for selling fake drugs.

The nine include seven Nigerians and two Ghanaian women.

The women are Margaret Mensah alias Akua, 25, and Samira Abdul-Kadir, 30.

The arrest was made with the assistance of officials of the Food and Drugs Authority after a search in their shops.

Addressing the media, the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Juliana Obeng, warned the public against buying unapproved drugs.

Prohibited drugs such as Pharmadol 225mg, Ibupru Plu, Devagra 150mg, Black Cobra 150mg and other liquids in plastic bottles locally called ‘Awinchi’ were found in their shops.

ASP Obeng told the media: “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.

She further said the suspects are in police custody assisting with investigations.

“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,” she said.

The nine include seven Nigerians and two Ghanaian women. Read Full Story