The Tramadol Abuse: Video Exposes Big Pharmacy Giants in Distribution Chain

A chilling video documentary, which could put to rest the mystery surrounding the illegal distribution of Tramadol in the country, would soon be premiered.

The video, which is set to unmask some big pharmacy shop operators in four regions-Ashanti, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central is the handiwork of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), also known as iSPY GH 247.

Majority of the suspected peddlers caught on camera are between ages of 14 and 28.

The jaw-dropping video is expected to draw the attention of parents and political leaders to the bleak future of the country if the trend persists.

The secret filming reveals a number of pharmacy shops indiscriminately selling Tramadol to the public. It also captures how the users drop the pills into a flask containing juice, drink the solution, and almost immediately rash to the bathroom to shower, with the intention of getting ‘high’ before breakfast.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the iSPY GH 247, who wants to be known as Akwasi told THE PUBLISHER in an exclusive interview yesterday that the essence of the video is to give the public the complete graphical presentation of the consequences of Tramadol abuse on society, and expose those who are enriching themselves at the expense of the health of thousands of Ghanaian youth.

He urged the media to join the war on tramadol abuse to save the country from the canker.

“So while we are doing our part to ensure that Tramadol is not abused, the media must also highlight the negative effects this can have on the individual and the society. Excess amounts, regular use or overuse can cause side effects, many of which can be dangerous and may affect the brain in ways,” he stressed.

Reported cases of, armed robbery, youth vandalism, car accidents and in some cases violence have been linked to the influence of unapproved intake of Tramadol.

So serious is the trend that, many believe the canker is shaking to the core the democratic foundation of the country.

iSPY GH 247, in collaboration with the police has carried out raids over the past months to restrict the influx and the sale of the drug.

Akwasi says since 2017, over 500,000 capsules of Tramadol were brought into the country. These include 230 capsules of 100 mg, 7,190 capsules of 50mg, 93,160 capsules of 200mg, 97,900 capsules of 225mg, 210,400 capsules of 120mg, 1 vial of 50mg/ml and 3000 vials of 100mg/2ml should be out of operation.

By: Justice Dzido