NACOC TARGETS ILLEGAL TRAMADOL TRADE, CLOSES CHEMIST SHOPS

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has shut down eight chemist shops across the country for illegally selling high-dose tramadol above the legally approved limits.

Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Mr. Alexander Twum-Barimah, revealed that the affected outlets included six drug stores and two pharmacies. Speaking in a television interview on Woezor TV on Sunday, September 28, he warned that the crackdown will continue.

“By law, you can use 50 mg or 100 mg maximum, and that should be on prescription by a doctor. How can anyone sell 250 mg tramadol for a person to take?” he questioned.

Mr. Twum-Barimah clarified that tramadol is not banned but stressed that only 50 mg and 100 mg doses are permitted, mainly for pain management such as dental procedures or accident recovery, and always under medical supervision.

Expressing concern about rising drug abuse among young people, he recounted a disturbing case involving a 16-year-old boy found with two rolls of marijuana. He added that the problem has extended beyond secondary schools, with reports indicating usage even at the basic school level.

NACOC has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to curb the illegal drug trade and protect the health of the nation’s youth.