In a bold display of its anti-narcotics resolve, government has destroyed a massive $350 million consignment of cocaine impounded earlier this year by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in the Central Region.
The destruction, which took place at Bundase in Accra, was carried out by a joint team comprising the NIB, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and other allied security agencies, following a court order.
The cocaine, weighing 3,319.68 kilograms and with a purity level between 50% and 70%, was intercepted in March 2025.
It was concealed in a tipper truck covered with sand and en route from the Western Region to Accra. Investigations suggest the narcotics entered the country through the sea, using fishing vessels as a cover.
Three individuals are currently facing prosecution for importing narcotic drugs without lawful authority and engaging in drug trafficking activities.
The destruction exercise, witnessed by representatives from the Attorney-General’s Department, international observers, and legal counsel for the accused persons, also included the incineration of other seized narcotics such as heroin, cannabis, red 225 tablets, cartons of codeine, and other cocaine consignments confiscated from various locations.
Ahead of the incineration, officials from the Ghana Standards Authority conducted on-site verification using cobalt thiocyanate reagent and hydrochloric acid. The cocaine sample turned blue, confirming its authenticity, while tests on the cannabis also returned positive.
Under tight security, the narcotics were subsequently set ablaze.
Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, described the destruction as part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He also announced that a nationwide crackdown on drug operations is expected to commence in July.
His deputy, Alexander Twum Barima, disclosed that regulatory agencies are being mobilized to tighten controls on pharmaceutical practices.
According to him, the Pharmacy Council has vowed to revoke licenses of pharmacies found complicit in the sale of unauthorized drugs.
The destruction of the cocaine consignment, one of the largest in Ghana’s history, sends a strong signal to drug trafficking networks and affirms the country’s stance against narcotics crimes.
As legal proceedings continue, security agencies have pledged to intensify operations aimed at dismantling drug smuggling syndicates and preventing Ghana from being used as a conduit in the global drug trade.
The post NIB, NACOC burn $350m cocaine haul in landmark anti-narcotics operation first appeared on 3News.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS