NACOC destroys over GH¢12.6m worth of illicit drugs

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed over GH¢12.5 million worth of illicit drugs it seized from the Tema Port and individuals across various regions.

The illicit drugs included cannabis, 6513kg, with a street value of GH¢651,300; cocaine, 1.5kg, with a street value of GH¢135,000; and 5,928,000 capsules of tramadol, ecstasy and other illicit drugs, also with a street value of Ghc ¢11,856,000.

The destruction exercise was done at the Bundase Military Camp in the Ningo-Prampram District.

In attendance were officials from NACOC, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Security, Ghana Customs Service and the Ghana Ambulance Service.

The Ghana Standards Authority was also present to conduct on-site tests on the illicit drugs for additional verification before the public, following prior analysis already conducted at their facilities.

Brigadier-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General, NACOC, said the Commission was an implementer of policy, not policymakers. Therefore, they do not determine how seized illicit drugs should be utilised.

He added that should the laws be amended to mandate that such substances be handed over to industry for use, they would comply accordingly, but until such changes were made, their mandate remained to destroy all seized drugs strictly in accordance with court orders.

“We actually brought you here so that you see the transparency of our operations, so that tomorrow, nobody will say we seize a certain quantity but destroy a few of them,” he stressed.

Brigadier-General Mantey said NACOC had been undertaking extensive public education campaigns across the country, which was why they continuously called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, and all stakeholders to support, as the impact of drug abuse was causing significant harm, particularly among the youth.

He said in that regard the Commission also regularly engaged Secondary Schools and Universities, and that it was deeply concerning and disappointing to witness the extent of the problem.

The Director-General said the Commission arrested offenders whenever they were apprehended, and that just last week, about 12 cases were called in court, although they were all adjourned.

“To drug peddlers, our message is clear, we are vigilant, and our surveillance is heightened. We are closing in on many of them, and once apprehended, they will face the full consequences of the law,” he stressed.

Source: GNA

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