The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has closed down eight chemist shops across the country for selling high-dose tramadol above the legally permitted levels.

The Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Mr Alexander Twum-Barimah, said the affected outlets included six drug stores and two pharmacies.

"As I sit here, if I'm not mistaken, we've closed not less than six drug stores and two pharmacies or whatever mixed together. We will continue to close more," Mr Twum-Barimah said in a television interview broadcast on Woezor TV on Sunday, [Sept 28].

Mr Twum-Barimah explained that while tramadol itself is not banned, the law permits only 50 mg and 100 mg doses, which must be prescribed by a medical officer. He said some chemist shops and pharmacies were selling doses of 150 mg and 250 mg, which are prohibited.

“By law, you can use 50 mg or 100 mg maximum, and that should be on prescription by a doctor. How can anyone sell 250 mg tramadol for a person to take?” he asked.

He added that the approved doses are used mainly for pain management, such as after dental procedures or accidents, and must be dispensed only on prescription.

The Deputy Director-General expressed concern about increasing drug use among the youth. He recounted a case where a 16-year-old boy was found with two rolls of marijuana.

“There was a person we contacted at that time and we found a 16-year-old boy carrying two sticks of marijuana. Sixteen? Two sticks. Why should that happen?” Mr Twum-Barimah asked.

He said the problem has now spread beyond secondary schools, with reports of pupils in some basic schools also using marijuana.