The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested the alleged mastermind behind an international drug trafficking operation involving the attempted export of approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine from Ghana to Australia, with investigations continuing to track down other suspects connected to the syndicate.
The breakthrough was disclosed by the Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, during an interview with Adom News, where he provided an update on the high-profile case that has attracted both local and international attention.
According to him, the Commission has made significant progress in its investigations following the interception of the illicit consignment by Australian authorities.
“With regard to the recent case in which Australian authorities intercepted about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment from Ghana, we have successfully arrested the lead person and are looking forward to arresting the remaining persons involved,” Lawyer Twum-Barimah stated.
The seizure formed part of ongoing cooperation between Ghanaian and international law enforcement agencies aimed at disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks that use West Africa as a transit route for illicit narcotics.
In a related development, NACOC announced the destruction of a substantial quantity of seized narcotics and controlled substances with an estimated street value exceeding GH¢37 million.
Lawyer Twum-Barimah disclosed that the destruction exercise was carried out after the necessary legal and regulatory procedures had been completed, including independent verification by the Ghana Standards Authority and authorisation by the courts.
According to him, the destroyed items included 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kilograms of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-infused drinks and 130 boxes of hemp-related products confiscated through various anti-narcotics operations.
“After independent verification by the Ghana Standards Authority and authorisation from the court, we destroyed 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kilograms of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-laced drinks, and 130 boxes of hemp-related products,” he said.
He explained that the destruction of seized narcotics is a critical component of NACOC’s enforcement strategy, designed to prevent confiscated substances from finding their way back into circulation and to reinforce public confidence in the integrity of the Commission’s operations.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, disclosed that five students of Central University arrested for allegedly producing and distributing cannabis-infused products have been formally processed and arraigned before the courts.
The students were allegedly involved in the manufacture and sale of various cannabis-infused consumables, including ice cream, sobolo, toffees and eggs.
“The five students arrested at Central University for engaging in the production and sale of cannabis-infused ice cream, sobolo, toffees and eggs have been processed and arraigned before court,” Brigadier General Mantey revealed.
The case has reignited concerns over the growing sophistication of drug-related activities among sections of the youth and the increasing use of narcotic substances in food and beverage products.
NACOC has reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance, enforcement operations and public education campaigns as part of broader efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, substance abuse and organised criminal activity across the country.
The Commission maintains that collaboration with international partners and local stakeholders remains essential in disrupting drug networks and safeguarding public health and national security.
