A total of twenty-six (26) foreign nationals, believed to be Indians, have been arrested for allegedly peddling herbal products to unsuspecting members of the public in Tumu.
The Sisaala East Municipal Police Command received a distress call from a concerned citizen regarding the suspected sale of herbal products by foreigners in the town. Acting swiftly, the police arrested four of the suspects.
In collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the police later arrested a total of 26 Indian nationals from various locations, including their places of residence.
A search conducted in their rooms revealed quantities of unregistered herbal products suspected to have been smuggled into the country and subsequently sold on the streets.
Preliminary investigations into the legality of their stay in Ghana indicate that 21 of the suspects claim to possess work permits, while five reportedly had none. Of the 26 arrested, 12 are females and 14 are males. Some of them are said to have arrived as couples.
One of the suspects, identified as Sonia, told authorities that their first point of contact upon arrival was the Municipal Immigration Office in Tumu, where their documents were examined and cleared for business. She claimed they were unaware that their activities constituted an illegal trade.
However, a thorough examination of the herbal products by an FDA officer revealed that none of the products had been registered with the Authority, in violation of Section 118 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which makes such an offence criminal.
The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing documentation for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, a concerned resident, Foutie, expressed disappointment in the Ghana Immigration Service, accusing officials of failing to conduct due diligence before allowing the individuals into the country, particularly when their stated purpose of work was not independently verified.
Another resident, Ajara Adama, questioned how the suspects were able to move across several regions — including the Oti, Bono, and Upper East regions — before finally being apprehended in Tumu in the Upper West Region.
A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also expressed surprise at how the foreigners were able to operate in the country while allegedly engaging in the sale of unregistered herbal products.
