NACOC Destroys 9.6 tonnes of Cannabis, 47kg of Cocaine
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kg of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-laced drinks and 130 boxes of hemp-related products at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region.
The destruction exercise, which was sanctioned by the courts, formed part of activities ahead of this year’s World Drug Day and was witnessed by officials from partner security agencies and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).
Before the products were destroyed, officials from the GSA conducted sample tests to confirm the substances involved.
Ghana’s Commitment
Addressing journalists after the exercise last Wednesday, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the destruction of the seized substances demonstrated the country’s commitment to protecting public health, public safety and national security.
He explained that the narcotics and controlled substances had been lawfully seized through the efforts of NACOC and its partner security agencies and had gone through the requisite legal processes before approval was granted for their destruction.
“For this morning, we had 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kilogrammes of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-laced drinks, 130 boxes of hemp-related products and others that the court permitted us to destroy,” he said.
According to him, the quantities destroyed represented thousands of doses that could have fuelled addiction, destroyed families, endangered young people and strengthened criminal networks.
He said the exercise sent a strong and unmistakable message that the country remained resolute in denying drug traffickers and criminal networks the profits derived from illicit drug activities.
Transparency
Brig. Gen. Mantey said the exercise also reflected NACOC’s commitment to transparency, accountability and adherence to international drug control obligations.
He explained that before seeking court approval for the destruction, the commission invited officials of the Ghana Standards Authority to inspect, test and weigh all exhibits earmarked for disposal.
Prevention
The Director-General stressed that the fight against illicit drugs could not be won through seizures and arrests alone.
He said prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and public education remained critical pillars of the commission’s work.
According to him, NACOC continued to engage the media, faith-based organisations, schools and communities to educate the public on the dangers associated with drug abuse.
As part of those efforts, he disclosed that the commission had, for the first time, organised a national seminar for guidance and counselling teachers from across the country.
The programme, he said, brought together 50 teachers from each of the 16 regions to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse among students.
Warning
He further warned individuals involved in the illicit drug trade to abandon the practice, stressing that NACOC would intensify its operations against offenders.
The Director-General said the commission would pursue drug offenders wherever intelligence led them.
“Wherever we get information, irrespective of the location, we will come there.
We cannot allow a few individuals to destroy the future of this country,” he said.
He appealed to the media and the public to support the commission’s efforts by helping to spread awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs.
Brig. Gen. Mantey urged young people to stay away from narcotics and become ambassadors for a healthier and safer country.
Source: Graphic Online
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
