Authorities in Ghana have destroyed a massive haul of cocaine weighing 3,319.66 kilogrammes (3.3 tonnes) at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region.
The banned narcotic, valued at over $350 million, was intercepted earlier this year while being transported to Accra. It had been cleverly concealed in sacks, bags, and buried in heaps of sand within a tipper truck in an attempt to evade detection. However, operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) successfully intercepted the illicit cargo at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast.
The cocaine, which is at the centre of an ongoing trial at the High Court, was destroyed alongside other seized narcotics in the presence of media personnel, legal representatives, and officials from various investigative bodies including the NIB and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
Before the destruction exercise, staff of the Ghana Standards Authority conducted field tests on the substance, confirming it as cocaine in the presence of all observers.
Other Drugs Destroyed
In addition to the cocaine, the following narcotics were also destroyed:
Heroin – 10.45 kg
Cannabis – 1,934.27 kg
Methamphetamine – 2.00 kg
MDMA (Ecstasy) – 0.644 kg
Ketamine – 1.099 kg
Cathinone – 15.1 kg
Codeine, Diclofenac, and Hyergra – 11,500 kg
In total, 16,826.91 kilogrammes of narcotic substances were destroyed during the exercise.
NACOC’s Response
Speaking during the destruction exercise, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell O. Mantey, explained that the move forms part of activities to mark World Drug Day on June 26—a day dedicated to strengthening global efforts to eliminate drug abuse.
He announced a forthcoming nationwide crackdown on illicit substances, beginning next month, in collaboration with key stakeholders.
“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 bring in these illicit drugs to destroy our future leaders,” Brig. Gen. Mantey stated.
“This cannot continue in our lovely country. We need peace, security, and good health,” he added.
Background
The interception of the 3.3 tonnes of cocaine marks the largest cocaine seizure in Ghana’s history, a major milestone in the country’s fight against narcotics.
The driver of the truck, 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo, and his mate, Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old tertiary student, were arrested. They are currently on trial along with Mawuku Kudufia.
Meanwhile, three individuals considered by the state to be the prime suspects—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan—remain at large.
Authorities are continuing their investigations and have issued alerts in efforts to track down the fugitives.