Ho, June 21, GNA-The Volta/Eastern Zonal Office of the Food And Drugs Board (FDB) is to increase its vigilance against the illegal overland importation of drugs across the eastern borders of the country. Mrs Nora Narkie Terlabi, Zonal Manager said on Thursday when the Board destroyed 80 million cedis worth of expired and seized unwholesome drugs at the refuse disposal site of the Ho Municipal Assembly at the outskirts of Ho.

She said the Board would, through its market surveillance keep the heat on chemical sellers who sell such drugs, but implored the general public to report the movement and sale of such drugs to the FDB. The drugs destroyed, including orthodox preparations and herbals, were mopped up from various shops across the Eastern and Volta Regions within the past nine months.

Mrs. Terlabie explained that under the regulations, the FDB on invitation by the various shops list and take inventory of expired drugs for destruction.

She said the manufacturers pay cost of drugs in this category back to the various shops on the presentation of evidence. Mrs Terlabie advised the public against buying drugs not registered by the FDB for use.

She said it was dangerous to buy drugs from itinerant sellers and that drugs were to be sold only in controlled environments.