Over GH¢12.5 Million Worth of Illegal Drugs Destroyed by NACOC

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed an estimated GH¢12.5 million worth of confiscated illegal drugs in a high-security disposal exercise aimed at demonstrating transparency in the country’s anti-narcotics efforts.

The public destruction exercise was carried out at the Bundase Military Training Camp in the Ningo-Prampram District, with oversight from multiple state agencies and security stakeholders. The illicit substances were seized during operations at the Tema Port and from various individuals arrested in coordinated operations across different parts of the country.

According to NACOC, the destroyed drugs included 6,513 kilograms of cannabis, valued at GH¢651,300; 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of GH¢135,000; and 5,928,000 capsules of tramadol, ecstasy, and other banned substances, collectively worth GH¢11,856,000.

The disposal process was closely monitored by officials from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Customs Service, National Security, and the Ghana Ambulance Service. The GSA conducted final on-site verification tests to ensure the substances matched the analysis previously conducted in their accredited laboratories.

Addressing the press during the exercise, Brigadier-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, explained that the Commission is mandated by law to destroy seized narcotics unless otherwise directed by legislation. He emphasized that NACOC acts strictly as an implementing agency and has no authority to repurpose or redirect seized drugs for industrial or medicinal use.

“We are not policymakers. Our legal obligation is to destroy confiscated drugs as instructed by the courts. Should Parliament amend the law to permit industrial utilization under strict regulation, we will comply — but until then, destruction remains our only mandate,” he stated.

He added that the exercise was deliberately conducted in the presence of multiple agencies to promote transparency and public accountability.

He also raised alarm over the growing abuse of narcotics, particularly among Ghanaian youth. He said that the Commission has intensified its public sensitization campaigns, with a focus on reaching young people in both secondary and tertiary institutions. NACOC has also been engaging traditional leaders, religious groups, and civil society organizations in an effort to build a nationwide coalition against drug abuse.

“The effects of drug abuse are devastating and far-reaching. We’re witnessing rising addiction rates among students and young adults. It’s heartbreaking, and it demands a united response from all sectors of society,” he warned.

The Director-General noted that in addition to public education, NACOC continues to clamp down on drug traffickers through intelligence-led operations. He revealed that just last week, twelve drug-related cases were before the courts, although hearings were adjourned.

“Our surveillance systems have been enhanced. Drug peddlers should be aware that we are watching, and once they are caught, the law will take its course. There will be no leniency,” he cautioned.

The exercise is the latest in a series of measures by the Commission to combat the trafficking and abuse of narcotics in Ghana. With the destruction of these substances, NACOC hopes to reinforce public trust in its operations and send a strong signal to drug traffickers that the country’s institutions remain vigilant and uncompromising in the fight against narcotics.