FDA, NACOB destroy 4,152 of imported cough syrup with codeine

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Collaboration with the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB), the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Customs Exercise and Preventive Service (CEPS) of the Ghana Revenue Authority has safely disposed of 4,152 bottles of banned codeine-containing cough syrups.

The products were concealed in duvets, packed in suitcases, backpacks and other travelling bags, impounded at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Health on the 26th of September 2018, issued an Executive Instrument banning the importation, manufacture and registration of codeine containing cough syrups under section 116 of the Public Health Act, 2012.

The 4,152 bottles of the codeine-containing cough syrup with a street value of GHc332,160 were imported from South Africa in three different consignments by three different importers.

The suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Police for further investigation and prosecution.

The safe disposal of the Codeine Cough Syrup was done at the Adepa Landfill Site, Nsawam with supervision from the Metropolitan Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency.

In November last year, the Ministry of Health imposed a ban on the sale of codeine-induced cough syrups and restricted access to tramadol induced drugs in pharmacies or chemical shops nationwide with immediate effect.

The Health Ministry disclosed that such drugs were not going to be reclassified and dispensed as “Prescription Only Medicines” and will not be prescribed and dispensed at health facilities below the level of District Hospitals.

The Head of Communications of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), James Lartey in a Citi News interview explained that sanctions will be imposed on pharmacies and chemical shops that defy the order.

“The Ministry of Health has signed an executive instrument banning the sale of cough syrup containing codeine. As a regulator, we will continue to do our market surveillance to ensure that the products are not on the market. We will go round, not just the FDA but the Pharmacy Council and other relevant agencies will do a joint work. If it is found in a shop, the necessary regulatory sanction will be taken.” Mr. Lartey said.
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