The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a stern public health warning over the consumption of two illicit alcoholic beverages—Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur and Jupiter 1990, which have been found to contain extracts of marijuana.
The FDA cautioned that these products are not only unregistered but also pose serious health risks to the Ghanaian public due to their illegal infusion of cannabis.
The development follows months of surveillance and a recent raid by the FDA and partner agencies that uncovered disturbing evidence of illegal manufacturing and distribution.
“They are suspected to be illegally produced by FAMUDE CATERING SERVICES, based in the Ashanti Region”.
Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of Food and Drugs Authority
While the King’s Orange Flavoured Liqueur was initially registered with the FDA in 2022, subsequent investigations in July 2023 revealed that the product had been adulterated with traces of marijuana, leading to regulatory action.
In response to the violation, the FDA swiftly shut down the production facility operated by FAMUDE Catering Services, revoked their manufacturing license, and referred the matter to the Suntreso District Police for further investigation and potential prosecution.
However, despite these regulatory sanctions, intelligence reports gathered by the FDA in April 2025 indicated that the banned product had resurfaced on the market, particularly in Koforidua.
Acting on this intelligence, the FDA, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), conducted a joint operation on April 30, 2025.
The team raided a newly discovered illegal production site at Jachie Abidjan Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region.
During the operation, law enforcement agents discovered not only parcels and bags of dried marijuana and labelling materials for the Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur but also a new and equally unregistered product called Jupiter 1990.
Subsequent laboratory analyses confirmed that both alcoholic beverages contained marijuana extracts, underscoring a persistent and deliberate effort by the perpetrators to bypass regulatory oversight and endanger public health.
The seized items have since been handed over to the DLEU of the Central Police Command in Kumasi to support ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the criminal network behind this illegal operation.
Public Caution
The FDA is now warning retailers and wholesalers to immediately stop selling these products and return any remaining stock to the nearest FDA office.
The agency is also urging consumers to avoid purchasing or consuming either of the two products.
According to the FDA, ingestion of these marijuana-laced beverages poses severe health risks, including irreversible damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
“This is not just a regulatory infraction; it is a direct assault on public health. We urge all Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution and report any sightings of these products in the marketplace.”
Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority
Dr. Darko reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to protecting public health and safety through continuous surveillance, enforcement, and public education.
The Authority emphasized that it will not hesitate to enforce the law rigorously against any individuals or entities that engage in the illegal production and distribution of adulterated food or beverages.
The FDA also reiterated the importance of purchasing only registered and certified products, noting that product registration is a critical step in ensuring that consumables meet acceptable standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.
Consumers are encouraged to verify product registration status on the FDA’s official website or at any FDA regional office.
The disclosures bring to light the need for increased public awareness and interagency cooperation to stop the growing trend of illegal drug infusion in consumer goods.
Now that law enforcement has access to vital evidence, the case could test how well Ghana’s criminal justice and regulatory systems handle the threat posed by these illegal activities.
The FDA urged the public to report any suspicious activity pertaining to the production or sale of unregistered products and promised ongoing updates as investigations continue.
The Authority issued a clear call to action, urging everyone involved, including manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, to be responsible for protecting Ghana’s public health ecosystem, and health and safety must never be compromised.
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