FDA seizes illegal tobacco products in Accra
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The operation, conducted with the support of police personnel, targeted six facilities, four of which were actively inspected while the remaining two were found closed at the time.
In a major enforcement operation ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has confiscated a wide range of unregistered and illegal tobacco products from several locations in Accra.
The operation, conducted with the support of police personnel, targeted six facilities, four of which were actively inspected while the remaining two were found closed at the time. The areas covered included Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota.
Among the items seized were:
15 brands of illicit shisha flavours
3 brands of illegal cigarettes
7 brands of nitrous oxide canisters
21 types of illegal vape products
10 brands of unauthorized cigars
4 varieties of banned tobacco wraps
Speaking during the operation, Jemima Odonkor, Head of the FDA’s Tobacco and Tobacco Products Department, emphasized that the products had entered the country through unauthorized channels and posed serious public health risks.
“These items have not been approved by the Authority. They were smuggled in through unapproved routes and are unfit for sale,” she said.
Madam Odonkor also warned that the FDA would enforce all applicable legal actions against individuals or businesses found distributing or selling these products.
As part of its broader public health agenda, the FDA announced plans to ramp up education campaigns, particularly in schools, to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.
The FDA reiterated its call on the public to support its efforts by reporting suspicious tobacco-related activities and pledged to remain vigilant in regulating the market.
