National Security gadgets found on drug traffickers

It has been revealed that, members of a drug trafficking syndicate operating at East Legon and Abokobi near Accra, who were busted by the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) some few weeks ago, had in their possession communication devices meant only for use by the operatives of the National Security Secretariat under the Office of the President.

Those arrested includes; Kwabena Adu Gyamfi aka Emmanuel Mensah alias Kwabena Macho, said to be the owner of Kasapa building, Ricky Kwesi Frempong, 54, a spare parts dealer at Abossey Okai; Kwame Twum Ampofo Junior, 42, a businessman, and Mawuli Doklah, alias Togbui Agornu Mawuli, or Mawuli Wee, 39, an alleged notorious cannabis grower in the Volta Region.

They had with them, popular Gota Phone used by the National Security and using it for their communication, as though they were staff of the state security apparatus.

According to insiders, it was easier to track the drug traffickers down, because NACOB, had decided to monitor their communication via the Gota communication setup.

But the interesting question being asked is, who assigned them the Gota phones, when they don’t work for the National Security.

NACOB, seized large quantities of drugs concealed in the two houses and impounded some vehicles belonging to members of the syndicate.

The drugs intercepted from the operation were suspected to be heroin, cannabis and hashish oil. The operation, also seized a leave dryer and several unlicensed firearms.

Most of the men, have been traced to a club house at Adabraka in Accra called, “AD EXCLUSIVE” which is located on top of the building hosting Kasapa FM. It is a gathering of the sympathizers and activists of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Herald is informed that, they were arrested in attempt to smuggle Marijuana out of the country.

They are currently on remand at the BNI, this paper learnt.

Kwabena Adu Gyamfi aka Emmanuel Mensah alias Kwabena Macho is also said to be the Managing Director of Ekam Realty Limited in Accra.

Executive Secretary of NACOB, Mr Francis Torkonoo, has in an interview with Daily Graphic, confirmed the arrests adding, the total weight of the drugs seized and their street value were yet to be determined due to the nature of the concealment.

He said, the arrest of the suspects followed extensive surveillance work conducted by the board on the syndicate.

Mr Torkonoo, explained that the syndicate was busted in two separate operations at East Legon and Abokobi by NACOB, in

collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, on Monday, February 25, 2018.

He said, Kwabena Macho, suspected to be the leader of the syndicate, was busted at a spot at East Legon, where he was holding a meeting with some members of the syndicate.

The executive secretary said, a number of drugs were found in their vehicles at the time of the arrest.

He said, they were taken to their houses for a further search where NACOB retrieved more drugs and the unlicensed firearms.

Mr Torkonoo, said a number of drug seizures and arrests made by the NACOB and other security agencies in the country over the past four years were all linked to the syndicate.

They had been put before a court, and were to reappear on Monday, March 18, 2019 for investigations to continue.

“NACOB wishes to assure the public of its continuous commitment to fight the illicit drug trade,” Mr Torkonoo said.

He, therefore, appealed to the public to partner the board in its cause, as the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse was a shared responsibility.