NACOC’s cocaine suspects arrest commendable, but it cannot run on ‘charity’ to fight drug cartels

The arrest of three individuals involved in the trafficking of cocaine, linked to Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Dunkirk, France, is a significant victory for Ghana. This development was highlighted in a press release issued on September 14, 2026, by Ag. Director of Public Affairs, PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah.

NACOC's commitment to not allowing Ghana to become a safe haven for drug traffickers is commended. However, this arrest highlights a critical issue: NACOC is making progress despite lacking the necessary resources. The agency has been operating with limited means, having received only four vehicles in the past eight years and having to rely on personal connections to secure additional equipment.

This reliance on charity and personal connections is not sustainable when fighting well-funded criminal organizations. Furthermore, there are concerns about NACOC's ability to effectively combat drug trafficking. The agency was unable to intercept a cocaine shipment that was disguised as plastic waste and detected in France, raising questions about the adequacy of its detection equipment and access to ports.

The lack of modern equipment, such as ion scanners, trace detectors, and canine support, as well as limited access to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), leaves Ghana vulnerable. It is imperative that the President and the Minister for Interior take this case as a warning sign. They must ensure that NACOC is fully equipped with state-of-the-art drug detection technology, granted unrestricted access to scanning rooms and container loading bays, and integrated into all port systems.

Additionally, a dedicated budget for fleet, forensic labs, and intelligence technology is essential to enable NACOC to function effectively without having to depend on personal connections. While the officers of NACOC have displayed professionalism in arresting the suspects, their capabilities could be greatly enhanced if they were provided with proper tools and resources.