NACOC warns against diversion of precursors for illegal drug production
The Narcotics Control Commission has warned companies that divert precursors meant for pharmaceutical products into the production of illegal drugs that their licences will be withdrawn.
According to the commission, some companies have been misusing chemicals meant for pharmaceutical products to produce illegal substances.
Solomon Stanley Ayoh, the Director of Operations and Enforcement at the Narcotics Control Commission, stated that the commission will revoke licences and close down operations of companies found guilty of this practice.
He emphasised that companies will face severe sanctions, including heavy fines and permanent withdrawal of their licenses.
Speaking at a sensitisation training programme for precursor users in Koforidua, Ayoh warned that companies will not be allowed to import chemicals again if their licences are withdrawn.
He also noted that this will have a ripple effect on the businesses, including the loss of jobs and livelihoods.
“You may be fined an amount. Secondly, your licence can be withdrawn from you and you will not be able to import any chemicals again.
“And since the chemical is one of the main ingredients in your production it means you’re going to close down that business of yours which is going to have a lot of other recurrent defects because you are the owner of the factory.”
“If you employ staff, they also take care of their families and things so once you abuse the rights given to you and the sanction says that ‘no, your licence is going to be withdrawn’, you bring any application to us, we won’t grant you that licence.
“So they will have various sanctions, but the main thing is that you’ll be fined a heavy amount. Secondly, your licence can be withdrawn from you forever and you can lose your right of production.”
The Eastern Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, PSDO Grace Anobaah Tawiah, described the training program as a success and underscored the importance of companies providing quarterly reports and seeking permits for all imports.
She stated that the commission expects companies to comply with regulations and follow procedures to avoid sanctions.
“The programme has been very successful. The participants are very happy. They have learnt a lot and they are even yearning for we do it yearly and very often. So henceforth we expect that every quarter they bring us their quarterly report and when we come for inspection, they open their doors to us so that we will be able to do the correct things that we are supposed to be doing.”
“Their forms are supposed to be filled, they are supposed to be renewing their mandates, and their certificates. When they are importing chemicals from outside, they need a permit. They don’t need to go and take it just as they are. They need the permit. If you don’t do it like that, you will be sanctioned. So henceforth, we know that we have taught them what to do, and the procedures they are supposed to go through. So we expect that they do it as it is expected from the commission.”