The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized large quantities of unregistered and illicit tobacco products from four facilities in Accra during a targeted enforcement operation.

The confiscated items included 15 brands of illegal shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three brands of illicit cigarettes, seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters, 21 brands of unregistered vapes, 10 brands of illegal cigars, and four brands of unauthorized tobacco wraps.

The exercise, conducted in collaboration with two police officers, forms part of activities marking this year’s World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

It targeted six facilities located in Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota. Two of the facilities were closed at the time of the inspection.

Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, said the operation reflects the Authority’s ongoing efforts to rid the market of harmful and unapproved products.

“The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes. The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers,” she stated.

Ms. Odonkor reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing the availability of harmful tobacco products. She added that the Authority will intensify public education campaigns, particularly targeting schools.

“We will be visiting schools to educate our students on the harmful effects of tobacco products to safeguard them from illicit drugs,” she said.

The FDA continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities related to tobacco sales.