NIB, NACOC destroy $350m worth of cocaine following court order

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has destroyed 3.3 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value of over $350 million. The exercise, carried out on Thursday, June 20, 2025, followed a directive from the Accra High Court.

The destruction took place at the Ghana Armed Forces Base in Bundase under strict supervision. Officials from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Office of the Attorney-General, lawyers of the accused persons, selected media houses, and international observers were present to witness the process.

The drugs were seized in a major intelligence-led operation by the NIB on March 4, 2025. Acting on a tip-off, operatives intercepted a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast. The vehicle, en route to Accra from Takoradi, was found to be concealing 2,974 kg of cocaine beneath sand.

A follow-up search at a suspect’s residence days later uncovered another 345.07 kg of high-purity cocaine. Laboratory tests by NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed the substances as cocaine with purity levels ranging from 50% to 70%.

Three suspects, Isaac Quaicoe, Kenneth Cobbinah, and Mawuko Kudufia, are currently facing trial at the High Court in Accra.

Meanwhile, the NIB says it is actively pursuing a number of accomplices who are currently on the run, stressing that no effort will be spared in bringing all individuals involved to justice.

Before the drugs were destroyed, officials from the Ghana Standards Authority conducted on-site tests to confirm their authenticity. Using cobalt thiocyanate reagent and hydrochloric acid, the cocaine samples turned blue, indicating a positive result. Similar field tests confirmed the presence of cannabis.

The destruction, conducted under tight security, involved not only the cocaine haul but also a cache of other impounded drugs, including heroin, cannabis, red 225 tablets, several cartons of codeine, and additional cocaine seized in separate operations across the country.

Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission, Brigadier General Maxwell Obubaa Mantey, said the disposal was part of activities marking this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He announced that NACOC, in partnership with other security agencies, will soon launch a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

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