Bolgatanga FDA burns over four thousand two hundred seized Tramadol tablets

The Upper East Regional Director of the Food and Drugs Authority, FDA, Razark Braimah, says the authority has seized over four thousand, two hundred tablets of Tramadol. 

Mr. Braimah said the massive seizure followed intensified post market surveillance, unannounced inspections and investigations into product complaints by people. 

He noted that the seized tramadol ranges from 150 to 250 milligrams which is not approved by the FDA. 

Mr. Braimah said the authority has only approved 50 to 100 milligrams. 

According to him, its investigation shows that most of the drug comes into the region through unapproved routes making it difficult for them to track its final destination. 

He said his outfit has collaborated with the various security agencies especially those who operate along the country’s borders to block the smugglers from bringing it into the country. 

Tramadol is a prescription only medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain. 

When taken, it works on the nervous system and the brain to reduce the feeling of pain. 

Mr. Braimah said there is a growing trend of Tramadol abuse among the youth in some parts of the region. Recent surveys have shown the drug is also used among market women, drivers, and in some cases, students. 

The abuse of Tramadol, a pain relief drug, according to medical experts, functions like heroin and can cause psychotic problems as well as damage vital organs in the human body. 

Mr. Braimah said the perception of good feeling that leads to abuse and misuse can lead to long-term consequences such as weakness, sleepiness, insomnia and panic attacks. 

In some cases, an overdose of tramadol may lead to difficulty in breathing and even death. 

He called on all abusers turned addicts to seek help and cautioned the youth who take it for recreation purposes because of its euphoric effect to stop, as the long-term implications could have dire consequences on their health. 

Mr. Braimah says the authority has intensified surveillance in the region in a bid to curb the smuggling of Tramadol in the region. 

He said some of the tramadol tablets were found in five chemical shops in the region and they will be made to face the full rigorous of the law. 

He said his outfit together with the police has arrested two tramadol sellers and they are currently at the police custody in Walewale. 

Mr. Braimah said his office will not relent on its efforts in the fight against tramadol abuse in the region.

The seized tramadol and some other expired and unregistered drugs were subsequently burnt at Sherigo a dumping site in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

Story by GBC’s Samuel Ayammah

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