The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested the suspected mastermind behind an attempted shipment of methamphetamine from Ghana to Australia, as investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to be involved in the international drug trafficking network.
Speaking in an interview with Adom News, the Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, revealed that the Commission had made substantial progress in its investigation into the case, which centres on the interception of approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine by Australian authorities.
According to him, the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate behind the attempted export.
“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 suspect and are working to arrest the other persons connected to the operation,” he said.
Lawyer Twum-Barimah assured the public that NACOC remains committed to pursuing all individuals linked to the trafficking attempt and strengthening collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to combat transnational drug crimes.
The case has attracted significant attention due to the large quantity of narcotics involved and the growing concern over the use of Ghana as a transit point for international drug trafficking operations.
The Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Lawyer Twum-Barimah, has disclosed that the Commission recently destroyed a substantial quantity of seized narcotic substances and related products with an estimated street value exceeding GH¢37 million.
According to him, the destruction exercise was carried out after all required legal and regulatory processes had been completed, including independent verification by the Ghana Standards Authority and authorisation from the courts.
“Following independent verification by the Ghana Standards Authority and approval from the court, we destroyed 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kilograms of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-infused drinks, and 130 boxes of hemp-related products,” he stated.
Lawyer Twum-Barimah explained that the exercise forms part of NACOC’s ongoing efforts to ensure that confiscated narcotics and illicit substances are permanently removed from circulation, while reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse across the country.
He emphasized that the destruction exercise forms part of the Commission’s efforts to prevent seized narcotics from re-entering circulation and to demonstrate its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse.
Addressing another ongoing case, the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, revealed that five students of Central University who were arrested for allegedly producing and distributing cannabis-infused products have been formally charged and brought before the courts.
According to him, the students were accused of engaging in the production and sale of a range of cannabis-laced products, 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 stated.
He emphasised that the case forms part of NACOC’s broader efforts to clamp down on the unlawful production, distribution and sale of narcotic substances, particularly among young people.
The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against illicit drug trafficking and the growing circulation of narcotic products across the country, warning that offenders will face the full rigours of the law.