Panel on Narcotics substitution inaugurated

Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - A five-member panel was on Friday inaugurated by the Minister of the Interior to investigate the suspected narcotic drug substitution by police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service. Inaugurating the panel, Mr. Kwamena Bartels, Minister of the Interior charged members to find out the extent of substitution and identify officers involved for prosecution.

Other terms of reference include recommending next actions and steps to ensure a repetition was avoided. The Director General of CID, DCOP Mr. Adu-Poku on assumption of office, called for re-testing of exhibits in police custody by the Ghana Standard Board.

A test of the first 50 kilogrammes revealed a six per cent substitution of cocaine for other substances that looked like cocaine. The action was followed by the arrest by all officers who had access to the store room after which the keys were changed. Mr. Bartels emphasised that the new Ghana police was now able to introspect and enforce strict discipline and sanctions on its own instead of cover-ups to restore the image and honour of the Service. The panel included: S. J. Afari, Immediate Past National Security Coordinator, Jacob Yidana, Ministry of Interior, COP Kwasi Nkansah (Rtd), Mark Ewuntomah of the Narcotic Control Board with Mr. Kojo Armah, MP for Evalue-Gwira Constituency as the Chairman.