NACOC burns $10.2 million worth of drugs

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed illicit drugs valued at more than US$10.2 million, including 4.7 million capsules and tablets of synthetic opioids and 338,000 bottles of codeine-based cough mixture seized during anti-narcotics operations.

The destruction exercise took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Bundase Infantry Training School in the Greater Accra Region, as part of the Commission's efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs and prevent seized narcotic substances from re-entering circulation.

The drugs, which had been seized by the Commission and cleared for destruction through court orders, comprised cannabis, synthetic opioids and codeine-infused cough mixture.

According to the breakdown provided by NACOC, a total of 564.39 kilogrammes of cannabis, with an estimated street value of US$112,878, was destroyed.

The exercise also saw the destruction of 4,730,100 capsules and tablets of synthetic opioids valued at approximately US$5,912,625.

Additionally, about 338,000 bottles of codeine-infused cough mixture, estimated to be worth US$4,225,000, were disposed of.

The combined estimated value of the three categories of drugs stands at US$10,250,503, representing more than US$10.2 million worth of illicit substances removed from circulation.

The destruction forms part of NACOC's broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and the circulation of controlled substances in Ghana.

The large quantity of synthetic opioids and codeine-based cough mixture involved also draws attention to the scale of pharmaceutical-related drug trafficking, particularly the illegal distribution of substances that can pose serious public health risks when abused.

EA