The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested three shop owners and distributors suspected of distributing and retailing counterfeit mosquito and insecticide spray products.

Following complaints from Evergreen Chemist Limited, the sole UK importer of the Kill It Insecticides, the police led an operation to confiscate the fake products in Adum and Tech, allegedly sourced from Nigeria.

The suspects face charges, including forging trademarks and defrauding by false pretenses, with potential penalties of up to three years imprisonment or fines.

The joint operation across the Kumasi business district and major markets, including Adum and Tech, aimed to crackdown the growing infiltration of counterfeit goods.

These products acquired at lower prices than the original, were being produced and distributed by unknown persons in neighboring countries, especially Nigeria.

The counterfeit products deceive consumers and undermine public health safety.

The sole importer of ‘Kill It’ insecticide spray, Abigail Del, decrying the situation, said the infiltration has affected dealers of the original product, as they face low sales.

“Some of the perpetrators were my customers. They started buying, leaving ours expired. Our sales have gone down, and we needed to take action because the counterfeit damages the body and it’s harmful. We have assessed the product with the FDA, and it’s proven to be harmful.

“The color of the fake one is faint, as well as the inscriptions. The UK flag insignia, which comes with a tag that says it is made in England, has been changed to made in PRC by the fake distributors,” she said.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, confirmed the three individuals, who are in police custody and under investigation.

He explained that charges likely to be preferred against the suspects are prohibited from the sale of drugs or herbal medicine products or any other household chemicals.

“They could be charged for packaging, labelling, advertising and sale of drugs, herbal products, medicine or cosmetic products in a manner that is false, misleading and deceiving to the public and consumers.

“The criminal offences ACT 2960, forging of trademark, or counterfeit any goods shall be guilty of misdemeanor not more than 3 years imprisonment or a fine. They are also likely to be charged with defrauding by false pretense. We understand the fake one is coming from our neighboring country, Nigeria,” he said.

DCOP Teye Cudjoe, whilst assuring of the police's consistent lookout for perpetrators, also entreated customers to pay attention to the products they purchase on the market.

“We will always be vigilant. The operation has just begun and we will follow up the source. What also matters is that customers are made aware of the differences so behave extra cautious of their purchases,” he said.