NACOC destroys over 150,000kg of illicit drugs
11th November 2024
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed over 150,000 kilograms (kg) of various illicit drugs seized between 2021 and 2024.
The illicit drugs included cannabis, heroin, speedball, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and codeine, weighing over 46,128 kg, 37 kg, 10 kg, 9 kg, 3 kg, and 105,700 kg, respectively.
The destruction exercise took place at the Bundase Military Camp in the Ningo-Prampram District.
Dr. Kenneth Adu-Amanfoh, the Director-General of NACOC, said the destruction of narcotic drugs was an essential step in their mission to protect citizens and prevent destructive behavior.
He explained that each kilogram of these illicit substances represented lives potentially destroyed, families disrupted, and communities destabilized.
The Director-General emphasized that by removing these substances, they sent a clear and resolute message to drug trafficking networks and individuals that there was no place in society, or the country at large, for such illicit activities that promote drug addiction, violence, and crime.
“Enforcement and interdiction alone are not a sole solution to addressing this complex issue; prevention, education, and rehabilitation are essential pillars in the broader strategy to address drug abuse in our nation and beyond,” he added.
He stated that only through a balanced approach could the Commission effectively combat the multifaceted challenges posed by illicit narcotics.
Dr. Adu-Amanfoh noted that Ghana had made substantial strides in dismantling drug trafficking networks, disrupting supply chains, and safeguarding communities from the harms of illicit drugs.
He added that the ongoing efforts by the NACOC Governing Board to enhance cross-border cooperation and collaboration, bolster enforcement capabilities, and strengthen national policies reflected a profound commitment to the safety and security of citizens.
He pledged the Commission’s commitment to working alongside all international, regional, and local partners in the continued fight against drug trafficking.