FDA seizes massive haul of illicit tobacco products in Accra crackdown

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated significant quantities of unregistered and illicit tobacco products from four facilities across Accra, following a targeted enforcement operation.

The swoop, conducted in collaboration with police officers, is part of the FDA’s activities leading up to World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

Among the vast array of seized items were 15 brands of illegal shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three brands of illicit cigarettes, and ten brands of illegal cigars. The operation also netted 21 brands of unregistered vapes, four brands of unauthorized tobacco wraps, and seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters.

The targeted enforcement focused on six facilities located in areas including Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota, though two of the premises were found closed during the inspection.

Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, emphasized that the operation reflects the Authority’s continuous efforts to cleanse the market of harmful and unapproved goods.

“The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes,” Ms. Odonkor stated, adding that the FDA “will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers.”

The FDA is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health by reducing the availability of harmful tobacco products. Ms. Odonkor also disclosed plans to intensify public education campaigns, particularly targeting schools, to enlighten students on the detrimental effects of tobacco and illicit drugs.

The Authority continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities related to tobacco sales.

The post FDA seizes massive haul of illicit tobacco products in Accra crackdown first appeared on 3News.

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