FDA seizes illicit shisha, vapes, cigars in Accra

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized many unregistered tobacco products. This happened during an enforcement operation in Accra.

The operation targeted four facilities. It confiscated 15 brands of illegal shisha flavors, three brands of illicit cigarettes, and seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters. Additionally, it included 21 brands of unregistered vapes, 10 brands of illegal cigars, and four unauthorized tobacco wraps.

This exercise was part of World No Tobacco Day activities on May 31. It focused on six locations: Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota. Two facilities were closed during the inspection.

Jemima Odonkor is the Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA. She stated that this operation aims to remove harmful products from the market. The seized items entered through unapproved routes. The FDA will impose legal sanctions on distributors and sellers.

Ms. Odonkor emphasized the FDA's commitment to public health. She mentioned plans for increased public education campaigns targeting schools. "We will educate students about the harmful effects of tobacco," she said.

The FDA encourages the public to report suspicious tobacco products or sales activities.