The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the North East Region has taken a bold step in the fight against drug abuse, seizing and destroying over 200 medical products, including the highly abused tramadol. This operation, which involved local associations, investigative agencies, and other stakeholders, highlights the collective effort required to tackle this pressing issue.
According to Jacob Amoako Mensah, the head of the FDA in the region, drug abuse poses a significant threat to individuals’ lives and society as a whole, with the potential to contribute to criminal behavior. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts by the FDA and other relevant authorities to combat this challenge.
To address drug addiction among the youth, Mensah advocated for a multifaceted approach that goes beyond law enforcement, incorporating education, community engagement, and support services for those affected. He stressed the importance of prevention through awareness campaigns and support networks for those at risk of falling into substance abuse.
Mensah urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to play a vital role in fostering environments that discourage drug abuse and provide guidance and support to young people. He emphasized the need for collective action to create a healthier and safer environment for all members of society.
In a stern warning to the youth, Mensah said, “We want to tell the youth to desist from tramadol. When it gets to a point where the person has become addicted, it is difficult to treat such a person. So we don’t want them to be using tramadol. Let doctors prescribe tramadol before one uses it.”
The destruction of the seized drugs serves as a testament to the seriousness with which the issue is being addressed. Mensah commended the collaborative effort, saying, “This exercise today, we have the youth, we have the Gambaga and Nalerigu Youth Association, the National Investigation Bureau, and Narcotic Control Board, all being part and the two Associations who have helped us to embark on this particular exercise to destroy this quantity of tramadol that we are destroying today.”
