Ghana seizes more than 8,500kg of narcotics, 45.4m tramadol tablets in 20 months

Over the past 20 months, Ghana has seized more than 8,500 kilograms of narcotics and intercepted approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets, according to the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse, with particular focus on the rising use of synthetic drugs among young people.

This has led to 217 arrests and 165 prosecutions during the period. The minister highlighted the seizure of over 45 million tramadol tablets in less than two years, emphasizing the severity of the drug problem in the country. In addition to seizures, authorities are targeting the financial networks and assets linked to suspected drug traffickers, resulting in the recovery of 73 assets and 19 kilograms of gold in cases related to drug-related money laundering.

Approximately GH¢6.9 million and US$440,000 in cash have also been restrained in suspected illicit drug activities. NACOC is complementing enforcement with public education and awareness campaigns, conducting over 2,000 educational sessions nationwide for various institutions and communities. However, the minister identified rehabilitation as a major weakness, noting the lack of a state-owned rehabilitation center in Ghana.