Ghana's Intensified War on Drugs: Major busts since January 2026

Ghana’s security agencies, particularly the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ghana Police Service, and other units, have maintained a strong offensive against drug trafficking in 2026. Intelligence-led operations, highway intercepts, airport vigilance, and raids on distribution hubs have led to significant seizures of cannabis (Indian hemp), cocaine, tramadol, methamphetamine precursors, and other narcotics. Many operations involved rejected bribe attempts, highlighting officers’ integrity.

Here’s a chronological roundup of some of the major drug busts reported on GhanaWeb since January 2026:

January 12, 2026: 1,613 Parcels of Suspected Narcotics Seized on Tema–Akosombo Road

Ntim Fordjour's warning on airport scanner gaps resurfaces

Tema Regional Police intercepted two vehicles, a Toyota Highlander and a Mitsubishi Pajero, along the Akosombo-Tema road following intelligence on trafficking from the Volta Region. A total of 1,613 compressed yellow-wrapped parcels (872 in one vehicle, 741 in the other) were recovered. Suspects Isaac Odoi, 33, and Kwame Mani, 39, were arrested and remanded. Samples were sent for forensic testing, with further searches planned at their residences.

January 2026: 648 Parcels Seized in Volta Region; GH¢150,000 Bribe Rejected

Volta North Police stopped a minibus en route to Togo and seized 648 yellow parcels of suspected narcotics. Suspects allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢150,000, but the offer was firmly rejected. The individuals remained in custody.

January 26, 2026: 713 Slabs Uncovered in Ashanti Region

Ashanti Region Police conducted a snap check on a bus at Asanso Bekwai, discovering 713 slabs of suspected narcotics. The driver reportedly offered GH¢150,000 as a bribe, which officers declined.

January 16, 2026: NACOC Raids Drug Hotspot in Budumburam

NACOC targeted suspected drug dens in Budumburam and surrounding areas in the Central Region. Multiple arrests were made, including a 32-year-old woman known locally as “Mother” (Rebecca Afia Naa Dei Kotei), described as a key figure in the local trade. Quantities of cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled substances were seized.

February 2026: Cocaine Hidden in Packaged Gari at Kotoka International Airport

NACOC arrested a senior manager from a manufacturing firm at KIA. The suspect allegedly concealed cocaine inside consignments of packaged gari (dried cassava flakes) destined for export, using everyday food items as camouflage. Investigations into possible syndicate links continued.

February 2026: Over 3,000 Cannabis Slabs Seized in Tema with Bribe Attempt

Greater Accra Police intercepted a truck carrying 3,009 slabs of suspected cannabis. Two men were arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe officers with GH¢150,000 to release the vehicle and its load.

April/May 2026: NACOC Intercepts Millions of Tapentadol Tablets

NACOC seized a large consignment, including approximately five million tablets of Tapentadol (a controlled substance), transported in a 40-foot trailer. This formed part of broader efforts against pharmaceutical drug trafficking.

May/June 2026: Various Highway and Inland Operations Additional busts included interceptions on routes like Tema-Ada (12 sacks and 80 parcels of Indian hemp) and other local hauls of cannabis slabs, demonstrating continued pressure on domestic distribution networks.

June 2026: Major NACOC Operations and International Links

NACOC conducted a midnight raid, uncovering a cannabis production and distribution hub in the Volta Region (areas including Koleonu, Wegbe, and Akplamafu), arresting three principal suspects. This followed an earlier May 31 operation seizing over 2,372 kg in the same region.

In Kumasi, police busted a drug ring, arresting multiple suspects including a notorious peddler known as “Con Papa.”

NACOC arrested the alleged mastermind (and later two more Ghanaian suspects) behind a massive 320 kg methamphetamine shipment concealed in charcoal exported to Australia (street value estimates in the hundreds of millions of USD). This highlighted Ghana’s role as a transit point.

June 2026: Four arrested in Ashanti Region

Four suspected drug dealers were also arrested by the Mankraso District Command after a police intelligence operation in Kunsu Township in the Ashanti Region.

The operation led to the retrieval of a firearm, suspected narcotic substances and cash believed to have been obtained from illegal drug activities from the suspects.

Among the items retrieved were a locally manufactured pistol loaded with two BB rounds of ammunition, quantities of suspected tramadol, red capsules, dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp, a whitish powder suspected to be cocaine, and GH¢5,647.40.

217 Arrests, 165 Prosecutions, 8.5 tonnes Drugs Seizure: NACOC gives breakdown of drug busts in 16 months

Ongoing Impact (as of late June 2026)

NACOC reported that between 2025 and April 2026, it recorded 217 arrests, 165 prosecutions, and seized over 8.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs, alongside significant tramadol tablet interceptions. Public drug destruction exercises have also taken place, including large quantities of cannabis and cocaine.

These operations underscore the agencies’ commitment to disrupting both local abuse and international trafficking networks through better coordination, intelligence, and community support.

Totobi Quakyi shares untold story of Rawlings' encounter with serial caller on live radio