In a major victory against transnational drug trafficking, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested Uchechukwu Chima, a 56-year-old Nigerian national long sought for his alleged role in narcotics networks, during a targeted operation in Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.
The intelligence-led raid, conducted on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, uncovered approximately 192 kilograms of cocaine and 0.42 kilograms of heroin, with a combined street value of $2.1 million.
According to NACOC, Chima—described as a “brain” behind past drug seizures in Ghana was apprehended at his hideout after months of surveillance. A search of the premises revealed the concealed narcotics, which field tests confirmed as cocaine and heroin.
The agency hailed the operation as a critical step in dismantling organized crime networks and preventing the drugs from reaching vulnerable populations.
“This seizure underscores our resolve to protect Ghana from becoming a haven for traffickers,” stated Francis Opoku Amoah, NACOC’s Acting Director of Public Affairs. “Removing such lethal quantities from circulation saves countless lives.”
Chima’s arrest marks a milestone for NACOC, which had pursued him for years in connection with prior interdictions. The suspect is believed to have orchestrated multiple smuggling attempts intercepted by authorities, underscoring his prominence in regional narcotics operations.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging intelligence and cross-border collaboration to disrupt drug cartels, emphasizing that the seizure aligns with its mandate to safeguard public health and national security.
The suspect is expected to face prosecution under Ghana’s stringent narcotics laws, which prescribe severe penalties for drug-related offenses.
NACOC urged citizens to report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in curbing the illicit trade threatening Ghana and the broader West African region.
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