The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a massive consignment of cocaine weighing 3.3 tonnes, en route to Accra from the Western Region. This marks one of the largest drug seizures in Ghana’s history, with the illicit cargo valued at over $350 million.
The operation, carried out on March 4, 2025, at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast, led to the discovery of 143 sacks of cocaine hidden beneath sand in a tipper truck. The truck was traveling from Takoradi to Weija in Accra when it was intercepted following an intelligence-led operation by the NIB.
Upon conducting a field test, officers from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as raw cocaine, initially weighing 2,974 kilograms.
Further Investigations Uncover More Cocaine
Following this major seizure, additional intelligence-driven operations on March 8 led NIB officers to a suspect’s residence, where an additional 13 sacks and one bag of suspected cocaine were found. Laboratory tests by NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed this batch, weighing 345.07 kilograms, bringing the total haul to 3,319.68 kilograms.
The high-purity cocaine, ranging between 50% and 70% purity, is believed to have been smuggled into the country via the sea using fishing vessels.
Arrests and Further Investigations
Two suspects, identified as Isaac Quaicoe and Kenneth Cobbinah, have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on April 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, the NIB has identified additional suspects currently at large and is actively pursuing their arrest. Authorities have vowed to ensure that all individuals involved in the smuggling operation are brought to justice.
This record-breaking cocaine bust highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Ghana and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle illicit drug networks in the country.
