FDA, Agents Impound Contraband Drugs At Aflao

An Accra-bound Nigerian Urban bus driven by Pabonu Olaolu, has been arrested at Aflao border with concealed contraband drugs estimated at GHC 50,000.00

Olaolu, in-charge of the vehicle, GUO Transport Company with a Nigerian registration number JJT 322 F, was arrested at about 1500 hours on Saturday, when undergoing security checks at the arrival hall of the vehicle examination by the joint inter-agency inspectors at the border.

Mr Gorden Akurugu, Volta Regional Head, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency said the inter-agency inspectors at the border include; officials of FDA, Narcotics Control Board, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and other security agencies collaborating to clampdown on negative activities of smugglers.

He said FDA officials and its Nation Builders Corp personnel requested for scan of the vehicle, when labels of Postinor were found on board, heightening their suspicion.

Mr Akurugu said the scan revealed quantities of drugs concealed in compartments of the vehicle including Tramadol, Postinor 2, Cytotec and Mifabon with street value of GHC 50,000.00

He said Olaolu was then arrested and the vehicle impounded, while the FDA handed over the suspect to the drug unit of the Regional Criminal Investigative Department of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and prosecution.

Mr Akurugu acknowledged the strong collaboration among joint inter-agency units at the border, which was yielding positive results.

He disclosed that FDA stepped up its post-surveillance market operations as the yuletide beckoned and would rid off the market of sub-standard and unwholesome goods.

"If smugglers will deploy tricks to outwit FDA, we will also be at our best to arrest them, and hand them over for prosecution," he said.