Ghana will become hostile territory for drug traffickers – Kumadoe

Ghana is becoming a tougher place for drug traffickers, according to security analyst Richard Kumadoe. The country is ramping up its efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks, with warnings that offenders using Ghana as a transit point face arrest either locally or at their final destinations. Mr. Kumadoe spoke on Channel One TV, stating that security agencies will deepen intelligence-sharing and international cooperation to track suspected traffickers and dismantle networks that operate across national borders.

He explained that authorities could employ controlled delivery operations to monitor suspicious consignments, allowing shipments to proceed under surveillance to facilitate arrests along the trafficking chain. Mr. Kumadoe emphasized that using Ghana's territory or environment would make it hostile for traffickers, potentially leading to their arrest in Ghana or at their intended destinations.

This approach was demonstrated through a recent seizure in Lebanon, where 46.7 kilograms of cocaine were found in the luggage of a Syrian passenger, B.H., who had traveled from Accra to Beirut on a Middle East Airlines flight.

The arrest was linked to a controlled delivery operation involving Ghanaian and Lebanese authorities, aimed at identifying other individuals connected to the shipment. Mr. Kumadoe highlighted the importance of intelligence-led enforcement, noting that security agencies must work beyond Ghana’s borders to track suspects and disrupt trafficking networks.

He underscored that stronger cooperation among security agencies and investment in screening technology would be crucial to prevent traffickers from exploiting Ghana as a transit route.