Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
On July 5, 738 compressed packets of suspected cannabis were seized by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) at the Swissport Terminal in Accra, dealing a serious blow to global drug trafficking networks.
The large illegal shipment, which was well concealed within 40 boxes that were fictitiously labeled as “assorted food items,” was headed for the UK, underscoring the nation’s ongoing difficulty as a transit location for illegal drugs headed for European markets.
This most recent interception comes after weeks of intense monitoring and intelligence collection by NACOC personnel, which is evidence of their ongoing attempts to thwart complex narcotics operations.
In relation to the Swissport seizure, two people have been arrested and are presently cooperating with the investigations.
Two additional notable suspects, Kate DAVIDSON, also known as “Esi,” and Lincoln Nii OKAIJA (born March 27, 1979), have been listed as wanted by the authorities, who are asking the public to come forward with any information that could result in their apprehension.
In Ghana, cannabis trafficking is still a major problem.
In 2022, NACOC confiscated a record-breaking 59,900 kg of illegal narcotics, a substantial increase from 15,458 kg in 2021, according to the commission’s figures.
Despite the fact that cocaine seizures frequently make the news, cannabis is always featured in significant amounts because of its local demand and cultivation as well as its involvement in global illegal commerce channels.
In a separate but equally significant incident, NACOC carried out a significant anti-drug operation throughout Akyem Oda and Akroso in the Eastern Region on June 24.
Fourteen suspects involved in the possession and distribution of illegal substances were arrested as a result of this targeted raid, which was the product of weeks of careful intelligence work and covert monitoring on suspected people and enterprises.
Three licensed chemical businesses were shut down by NACOC inspectors for engaging in illegal activities as part of the Eastern Region’s strict crackdown.
These businesses were found to be selling prohibited and unregistered substances without the required authorization, which is a risky practice that encourages drug misuse in local communities.
Large amounts of illicit substances and dubious medicinal items, including “red” (probably codeine-based cough syrup, a medication that is frequently abused in Ghana) and cannabis, were found during the investigation.
Acknowledging the transnational aspect of drug trafficking, Ghana has been actively working with allies from around the world, particularly the UK, to combat it.
In order to break up criminal networks, these partnerships entail intelligence sharing, coordinated actions, and capacity building.
The Narcotic Drugs (Control, Enforcement and Sanctions) Act of 1990 (PNDCL 236) stipulates a minimum of 10 years in jail for offenses involving the possession, importation, or exportation of narcotic drugs without legal license, making drug trafficking in Ghana punishable by harsh penalties.
Officials from NACOC have reiterated their steadfast dedication to breaking up narcotics networks around the nation.
Emphasizing that public collaboration is essential to their success in achieving a drug-free Ghana, they have urged citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious drug-related activities in their neighborhoods.
NACOC’s proactive approach to protecting national security and public health from the ubiquitous menace of illegal drugs is demonstrated by these recent operations.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
