The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed about 50 tons of cannabis intercepted since 2021 and 2023 with a market value of Fifty Million Ghana Cedis (50,000,000) GH¢50 million.
The seized cannabis was mainly intercepted from the Eastern and Volta regions through intelligence gathering efforts by operatives. Some suspects escaped arrest while their trucks, vans, and cars were impounded at the Commission’s headquarters in Accra.
The two-day destruction exercise is in accordance with the Commission’s law, Act 1019, which requires NACOC to seize, investigate, and prosecute perpetrators, as well as destroy seized narcotic drugs after following all legal procedures.
Act 1019 Section 108 of the Narcotics Control Commission states that: disposal and storage of seized narcotics, controlled equipment, and precursors
(1) Where the Court orders the forfeiture of controlled equipment or the destruction of a narcotic drug or plant or precursor, the narcotic drug or plant or precursor shall be disposed of by a method ordered by the Court and the destruction of the narcotic drug or plant, or precursor shall be carried out in the presence of the representatives specified as follows:
(a) One representative of the Court that issued the Order;
(b) One representative of the Ghana Police Service;
(c) One representative of the Commission;
(d) One representative of the Prosecution;
(e) One representative of the Environmental Protection Agency;
(f) One representative of the Defence Counsel;
(g) One representative of the Analysts; and
(h) One representative of the Media.
(2) The narcotic drug or plant, precursor or controlled equipment may be tested in Court in the course of prosecution and immediately before the destruction or disposal as the case may be.
The Commission cautions the general public, particularly drivers, who allow themselves to be used as couriers by smugglers, with or without their knowledge, that their vehicles used in the act will be seized. They must always ensure to check the content of consignments they intend to convey from one destination to another.
