The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 14 individuals during a major anti-narcotics operation in the Eastern Region towns of Akyem Oda and Akroso, as part of a broader crackdown on illegal drug activities in Ghana.
The highly coordinated operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering targeting individuals and retail outlets suspected of distributing unregistered and banned pharmaceutical substances. The suspects are believed to be involved in the possession, trafficking, and sale of illegal drugs across multiple communities.
As part of the operation, three licensed chemical stores were closed down after NACOC officials discovered they were selling controlled and unregistered substances in violation of the country’s drug laws. Some of the products seized include quantities of red tablets, cannabis, and suspicious pharmaceutical items which are not approved by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
NACOC, in a post-operation briefing, emphasized that the exercise forms part of a national strategy to dismantle emerging drug networks and illegal pharmaceutical supply chains that are proliferating in both rural and urban areas.
“We are committed to protecting our communities from the growing threat of illegal drugs. These operations are based on credible intelligence, and we will continue to work with other security agencies to rid the country of such criminal networks,” a NACOC spokesperson stated.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and will be processed for prosecution after further investigations. NACOC has assured the public of its commitment to enforcing drug laws and urged community members to report any suspicious activity or drug-related incidents to the authorities.
The Commission is also working closely with the Pharmacy Council, Ghana Police Service, and FDA to monitor chemical stores and prevent the infiltration of unauthorized substances into the local drug supply chain.
This operation sends a strong message to individuals and businesses involved in the illegal drug trade that law enforcement is actively monitoring and ready to act.