In an anti-narcotics operation, law enforcement agencies in Ghana have destroyed nearly 17 Tonnes of illicit drugs, including a record-breaking 3.3 Tonnes of cocaine valued at over $350 million.
The destruction exercise, held at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region, marks a major milestone in Ghana’s intensified war on drugs.
The centerpiece of the seizure—a 3,319.66-kilogramme haul of cocaine—was intercepted earlier this year by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) during a covert operation at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast.
The cocaine had been ingeniously concealed in sacks and bags buried under sand in a tipper truck, allegedly en route to Accra.
However, intelligence efforts led to the arrest of the vehicle and its operators, exposing what is now the largest cocaine bust in Ghana’s history.
The destroyed substances were incinerated in the presence of a wide range of observers, including representatives from the judiciary, security services, legal teams, and media.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) confirmed the authenticity of the substances through field tests conducted before the destruction.
Other Drugs Destroyed:
Alongside the cocaine, enforcement agencies also incinerated large quantities of other dangerous substances, including:
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Cannabis – 1,934.27 kg
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Heroin – 10.45 kg
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Methamphetamine – 2.00 kg
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MDMA (Ecstasy) – 0.644 kg
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Ketamine – 1.099 kg
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Cathinone – 15.1 kg
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Pharmaceutical drugs (Codeine, Diclofenac, Hyergra) – 11,500 kg
In total, 16,826.91 kilogrammes of narcotic substances were destroyed, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of the government’s crackdown.
NACOC’s Warning and World Drug Day Link
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell O. Mantey, emphasized the significance of the exercise as part of Ghana’s preparations for World Drug Day on June 26.
“This destruction of illicit drugs is not just symbolic—it’s a message to traffickers, enablers, and criminal syndicates that Ghana will not be a safe haven for drug peddling,” Brig. Gen. Mantey declared.
He also announced a nationwide crackdown set to commence in July, calling for collective action to safeguard Ghana’s youth and national security.
“My simple message to those who perpetrate or are involved in this illicit black business is that it is not fair to the country.
We will not stand and allow them to destroy our future leaders,” he added.
Ongoing Trial and Manhunt
Three individuals—Isaac Quaicoo (driver), Kenneth Cobbinah (a 25-year-old student), and Mawuku Kudufia—have been arrested and are currently facing trial at the High Court.
However, three key suspects, identified as Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan, remain at large.
Law enforcement has issued alerts for their capture as investigations continue.
The scale of the cocaine haul and the destruction exercise is being hailed as a turning point in Ghana’s efforts to curtail the drug trade and reinforce national security.
With upcoming operations promised and international collaboration on the table, the government is signaling a zero-tolerance approach to narcotic trafficking.
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