- Three suspects arrested for smuggling Taramaking drugs
- Drugs worth GH¢1.4 million, banned in Ghana
- Authorities investigating and monitoring borders
The Keta Divisional Police Command in the Volta Region has arrested three individuals suspected of trafficking a hard drug, known as ‘Taramaking,’ from Togo to Accra via land borders.
The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were caught at a police checkpoint on the Accra-Aflao road on February 24 around 3:30 pm. They were traveling aboard an STC bus with the registration number GG 1736-19, which was found to be carrying the illicit substance.
Gordon Akurugu, the Head of the Volta Region Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), confirmed the arrest. He mentioned that the FDA had received intelligence on the police’s interception and followed up with an investigation.
“Our investigation revealed that 120 milligrams of Taramaking were seized, surpassing the typical registration limit. Additionally, this drug is not FDA-approved, and there is an executive order banning the sale of tramadol in the country,” he explained.
The seized drugs, valued at an estimated GH¢1.4 million, could have been widely abused if they had not been intercepted, posing a severe public health threat. Akurugu emphasized that transporting drugs or medicines across inland borders is illegal, as only Kotoka International Airport and Tema Port are authorized entry points.
He commended the police for their vigilance and reassured the public that border monitoring efforts at Akanu, Kpoglu, and Aflao remain strong to combat smuggling.
“Our investigation suggests that the seized Taramaking tablets may have originated from Togo or another country. The FDA is issuing a stern warning to those attempting to smuggle such substances, and authorities are working to dismantle the entire trafficking network. We encourage the public to report any relevant information to aid in the investigation,” he added.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Seth Adu-Boahen, Keta Divisional Commander, confirmed the arrests and revealed that another suspect, believed to have placed the drugs on the bus, was also apprehended. He urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to help fight drug smuggling.
