NACOC destroys narcotic drugs worth over GH¢37m

Ghana has taken a significant step in its fight against illicit drugs, with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) destroying confiscated substances valued at over GH¢37 million. The operation, conducted at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region, aimed to prevent these dangerous items from re-entering communities.

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The exercise represented the final stage of the Commission’s enforcement efforts and ensured that the dangerous substances did not return to communities.

The destroyed haul included substantial quantities of cannabis, cocaine, and various hemp-related products. These were seized through intelligence-led operations across the country. Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, addressed the media during the destruction exercise, stating that the substances had undergone all necessary legal processes before being incinerated.

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According to him, the quantities destroyed represented thousands of doses that could have fuelled addiction, destroyed families, endangered young people and strengthened criminal networks.

Brig. Gen. Mantey stressed that the destruction represented the final stage of the Commission's enforcement efforts and sent a clear message to drug traffickers and criminal networks. He highlighted that the quantities destroyed could have fueled addiction, destroyed families, and strengthened criminal networks. The exercise also underscored Ghana's commitment to transparency and international drug control obligations.

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Brig. Gen. Mantey said the destruction sent a strong and unmistakable message that Ghana remained resolute in denying drug traffickers and criminal networks the profits from illicit drug activities.

Beyond enforcement, NACOC is intensifying public sensitization campaigns in schools and communities to discourage drug abuse, particularly among the youth. The Commission recently organized a national seminar for guidance and counseling coordinators to bolster prevention efforts in schools. Regarding a recent methamphetamine case linked to Australia, Brig. Gen. Mantey confirmed that NACOC, in collaboration with other agencies, has arrested the alleged lead shipper and expects further arrests as investigations progress.

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He noted that the exercise also demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability and compliance with international drug control obligations.