Narcotic drugs and controlled substances valued at more than GH¢37 million have been destroyed by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in a major operation aimed at preventing the illicit items from finding their way back into society.
The destroyed substances included 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kilogrammes of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-laced drinks and 130 boxes of hemp-related products seized through intelligence-led operations across the country.
Addressing the media during the destruction exercise at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region yesterday, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the substances had been lawfully seized by NACOC and other security agencies and had gone through the required legal processes before being destroyed.
He explained that the exercise represented the final stage of the Commission’s enforcement efforts and ensured that the dangerous substances did not return to communities.
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 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.
He noted that the exercise also demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability and compliance with international drug control obligations.
Brig. Gen. Mantey explained that before court approval was obtained, officials from the Ghana Standards Authority inspected, weighed and tested the substances earmarked for destruction.
He added that the substances were re-tested and verified after court approval to ensure that the quantities corresponded with those authorised for destruction.
The Director-General noted that although enforcement remained a key pillar of NACOC’s mandate, the fight against illicit drugs could not be won through seizures and arrests alone.
He said prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and public education remained critical components of the national anti-drug strategy.
Brig. Gen. Mantey disclosed that NACOC had intensified public sensitisation campaigns in schools, faith-based institutions and communities to discourage drug abuse, particularly among the youth.
He said the Commission had recently organised its first national seminar for guidance and counselling coordinators from all 16 regions to strengthen drug prevention efforts in schools.
On the recent methamphetamine case linked to Australia, Brig. Gen. Mantey said NACOC, in collaboration with other security agencies, had arrested the alleged lead shipper after a series of intelligence-led operations.
He indicated that more arrests would be made as investigations progressed.
Brig. Gen. Mantey stressed that the Commission was determined to get to the bottom of the operation and ensure that Ghana was not turned into a narco-state.
He warned individuals involved in drug trafficking and peddling to desist from the trade, stating that NACOC would continue intelligence-led operations across the country to bring offenders to justice.
FROM STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG, BUNDASE
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