Government seizes 45.4 million tramadol tablets in intensified anti-drug campaign

In a bid to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse, the government has seized approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets. Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak made this revelation during his appearance at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 24, 2025. The Minister provided an update on the performance of agencies under the Interior Ministry from January 2025 to July 2026. He revealed that over 8,500 kilograms of narcotic drugs were also confiscated during this period.

The Minister acknowledged the illicit drug fight as one of the major challenges the country faces. He disclosed that the Narcotics Control Commission, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, had arrested 217 suspects and initiated 165 prosecutions. The Minister highlighted the rising prevalence of synthetic drugs as a significant concern, stating that enforcement agencies have ramped up operations against those involved in the trade.

The government's campaign extends beyond targeting drug users to also focus on traffickers and their financial assets through intelligence-led operations. Mohammed-Mubarak emphasized that 73 assets had been traced, with about 19 kilograms of gold seized in suspected drug-related money-laundering cases. Additionally, cash worth approximately GH¢6.9 million and $440,000 had been restrained.

The Minister praised the Narcotics Control Commission and other security agencies for their "bold and decisive" approach in combating illicit drugs. He affirmed that the government's strategy involves a combination of enforcement and public education to reduce drug abuse, disrupt trafficking networks, and address the financial structures that sustain the illicit trade.