Police arrest 6 over alleged sale of unregistered drugs in Kumasi

In a significant stride against the illicit drug trade, the Ashanti Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has arrested six individuals for allegedly dealing in unregistered pharmaceutical products during an intelligence-led operation at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi.

The arrests, made on Monday, June 29, 2026, followed a meticulous surveillance operation that tracked the suspects as they travelled in a DAF XF truck bearing the registration number AW 511321. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 17 fertilizer sacks containing pharmaceutical tablets suspected to be unregistered, marking a substantial haul in the ongoing battle against counterfeit and unregulated medicines.

The detained individuals have been identified as Abdul Karim Ramadan, aged 20; Wisdom Pakindam Jatuat, 38; Razak Issahaku, 37; Abdul Rahman Yakubu, 45; Iddrisu Mohammed, 26; and Nana Abio Godwin, 27. Preliminary analysis of the seized substances revealed ten sacks labelled “Dyclosa 50mg” and seven sacks labelled “Royal Chest and Lungs,” both indications of products lacking proper regulatory authorization.

According to a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the suspects are currently in police custody and are actively assisting investigators from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) in their ongoing inquiries.

The recovered pharmaceutical products have been secured as evidence and will be forwarded to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for comprehensive analysis. The FDA will conduct rigorous tests to determine the registration status, chemical composition, and overall compliance of the substances with the provisions of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), the primary legislation governing food and drug safety in Ghana.

In a firm statement, the Ashanti Regional Police Command reiterated the Ghana Police Service’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the illegal trade in pharmaceutical products. The command emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the FDA and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard public health and ensure that only approved, safe, and effective medicines reach consumers.

The police have also issued a public appeal, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale, distribution, or manufacture of unregulated medications. Members of the public with credible information are encouraged to contact their nearest police station or utilize the appropriate emergency channels to assist law enforcement in this critical endeavor.

This latest operation underscores the multifaceted approach being employed by Ghanaian authorities to combat the pervasive issue of counterfeit and substandard drugs, which pose significant risks to public health and undermine trust in the healthcare system.

The operation follows closely on the heels of a similar exercise in the Ashanti Region where four suspects were apprehended for alleged drug trafficking and the seizure of firearms and narcotics, demonstrating a sustained and coordinated effort to dismantle illicit networks operating within the region.

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