FDA arrests fake medicine peddlers

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has cautioned the public about the distribution and sale of fake Vermox and Postinor 2 tablets on the Ghanaian market.

A statement signed by Dr Stephen K. Opuni, Chief Executive of the FDA and copied to Ghana News Agency said both medicines contain no active ingredient.

The FDA, with the assistance of the Accra Regional Police Command, on Wednesday arrested two Nigerians- Nduka Ogbonna Fidelis and Vincent Emmanuel, the peddlers of the fake drugs.

Further investigations conducted by the FDA revealed that the fake medicines were smuggled into the country from Nigeria by road.

Vermox tablets are used to treat worm infestations whiles Postinor 2 is an oral emergency contraceptive.

“The public is to note that the fake Vermox has a batch number of 9CL2400 with a manufacturing date of 09/2013 and expiry date of 08/2017.

“The…public, especially pharmacies, licensed chemical shops, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities are hereby cautioned against buying medicines from drug peddlers and other dubious sources,” the statement said.

It said medicines purchased from wrong sources are not only fake but are also transported and stored under improper conditions, which could result in their deterioration well before the stated expiry date and render them unsafe for public consumption.

Source: GNA