Ghana records 11 cocaine cases in 28 drug busts since March 2025; biggest hauls seized abroad

Since March 2025, Ghana has recorded 11 cocaine cases in 28 drug busts, according to the JoyNews Research tally involving NACOC, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Ghana Police Service, and foreign authorities. The seizures include both cocaine and other drugs such as cannabis, methamphetamine, heroin, and pharmaceutical opioids.

The cocaine seizures are estimated to have a street value of $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion. Seven cocaine busts occurred in Ghana, while four were made abroad in places like Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Dunkirk, where seized amounts totaled approximately 12.4 tonnes. For every kilogramme of cocaine intercepted domestically, about three were stopped in Europe.

Major seizures in Europe include a massive 4,500 kg seized in the Netherlands in June 2025, and 3.9 tonnes seized in France in September 2026. The largest seizure in Ghana was 3,319.68 kg hidden under sand in a tipper truck in March 2025, valued at over $350 million. Other notable seizures at Ghanaian ports include 89.74 kg intercepted at Kotoka International Airport, 866 parcels discovered in gari sacks in August 2026, and 192 wraps seized in Wa in September 2026.

These seizures have led to multiple arrests, including those of a Nigerian national, a Dutch national, a senior manufacturing firm manager, and a South African woman arrested for heroin at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Despite the growing threat, Ghanaian authorities admit the problem is escalating, with drug-related arrests increasing by 197% in 2025.

President John Mahama has formed an inter-agency task force to address the issue, setting deadlines for improving border security and operational frameworks.