By Darko Emmanuel
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has arrested two suspects following the discovery of an operation allegedly involved in manufacturing and distributing falsified “Dr Alfred Capsules” through social media.
The FDA says laboratory tests confirmed that the falsified capsules contained undeclared sildenafil citrate, a prescription-only medicinal substance that was not listed on the product label.
According to the Authority, the operation was uncovered through regulatory intelligence and enforcement activities in Accra and Suhum. The suspects are currently on police enquiry bail and assisting with investigations.
The FDA said the counterfeit products were manufactured in unauthorised, unregulated and unhygienic environments, raising concerns about their safety and quality.
The Authority stressed that genuine Dr Alfred Capsules registered in Ghana do not contain sildenafil citrate. The falsified versions are reportedly being marketed on social media as male-vitality dietary supplements.
The FDA has identified differences between the genuine and falsified products, including packaging quality, batch numbers, seals and other product-identification features. Some counterfeit versions reportedly carry fictitious FDA registration numbers.
The Authority has urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing medicines, herbal products and dietary supplements through social media and other unverified online sellers.
Pharmacies, herbal shops and distributors have also been directed to check their stocks and report any suspected falsified products to the FDA.
The FDA says anyone with information about the counterfeit products should report it through its official channels as investigations continue.
