Ghana’s war on drugs has intensified since January 2025, with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and other security agencies conducting high-profile operations.

These busts have targeted everything from massive cocaine shipments hidden in trucks to cannabis parcels on highways and clever concealment methods at the airport.

Two arrested for GH¢150,000 bribery attempt in mega Tema drug bust

In this GhanaWeb article, we look at 14 major busts that made headlines from 2025 into early 2026, listed roughly in chronological order with the key facts straight from the reports:

March 2025: Massive $350 Million Cocaine Haul Intercepted by NIB

On March 4, 2025, the National Intelligence Bureau intercepted about 3.3 tonnes (3,319.66 kg) of cocaine hidden under heaps of sand in a tipper truck at Pedu Junction near Cape Coast, en route to Accra from the Western Region.

It marked one of the largest cocaine seizures in Ghana's history, with an estimated street value of around $350 million.

March 2025: Notorious Nigerian Drug Trafficker Arrested in Accra

NACOC arrested a 56-year-old Nigerian national, Uchechukwu Chima, at his hideout at Oyarifa, Accra, on March 18, 2025.

Officers recovered 192 kg of suspected cocaine and 0.42 kg of heroin, with a street value exceeding US$2.1 million.

April 2025: Three Major Seizures in the First Quarter

Security agencies, including NACOC and NIB, carried out three significant operations in Q1 of 2025.

These included multi-ton cocaine consignments and large seizures of slabs along major highways, showing tighter coordination among agencies.

May 2025: Two Women Arrested with 1,600 Slabs of Indian Hemp

Police arrested two women transporting 1,600 slabs of suspected Indian hemp (cannabis) intended for local distribution.

Mid-2025: 53.6 kg of cannabis was seized

The seizure happened at the Kotoka International Airport, during which a British national was arrested.

The intercepted cannabis weighed 53.6 kg, with the British national linked to the smuggling attempt.

June 2025: GH¢350 Million Cocaine Destroyed Publicly

Following court orders, authorities destroyed the 3.3 tonnes of cocaine seized in March 2025 (valued at around $350 million, often cited locally in GH¢ equivalent terms) at Bundase Military Camp on June 20, 2025.

NACOC and NIB jointly burned the drugs, along with other assorted narcotics totaling over 16,800 kg.

September 2025: 38 kg Cannabis Seized Inland

Police intercepted 38 kg of suspected cannabis inland, arresting three suspects based on local intelligence before the shipment hit urban areas.

December 2025: NACOC Arrests 72 Suspects in Nationwide Raids

In a major Christmas-season crackdown dubbed "Operation White Ember," NACOC raided drug hotspots in the Eastern and Greater Accra regions, including Mamfe, Tutu, and Madina.

Officers arrested 72 suspects and seized drugs like ecstasy, methamphetamine, cannabis-laced alcohol, and other substances.

January 12, 2026: 1,613 Parcels Seized on Tema–Akosombo Road

The Tema Regional Police intercepted two vehicles: a Toyota Highlander and a Mitsubishi Pajero, along the Akosombo-Tema road.

Officers recovered 1,613 compressed parcels of suspected narcotics (741 from one vehicle, 872 from the other).

Two drivers were arrested and remanded, with samples sent for forensic testing.

January 2026: 648 Parcels Seized in Volta Region with Failed GH¢150,000 Bribe Attempt

The Volta North police stopped a minibus headed toward Togo and seized 648 yellow parcels of suspected narcotics.

The suspects attempted to bribe officers with GH¢150,000, but the offer was rejected, and the individuals remain in custody.


January 26, 2026: 713 Slabs of Suspected Drugs Uncovered in Ashanti Region

Ashanti Region police conducted a snap check on a bus at Asanso Bekwai, discovering 713 slabs of suspected narcotics hidden inside.

The driver allegedly offered GH¢150,000 to let it go, but officers refused.

January 2026: NACOC Crackdown in Budumburam

On January 16, 2026, NACOC raided Budumburam and nearby areas in the Central Region, a known hotspot.

The operation led to multiple arrests, including a 32-year-old woman known locally as "Mother" (Rebecca Afia Naa Dei Kotei), described as a notorious key figure in the local trade.

Officers seized quantities of suspected cannabis, tramadol, other controlled substances, and related items.

February 2026: Cocaine Concealed in Packaged Gari at KIA

NACOC arrested a senior manager from a manufacturing firm at Kotoka International Airport.

The suspect allegedly hid cocaine inside consignments of packaged gari (dried cassava flakes) meant for export, using everyday food products to mask the drugs and prompting further investigations into syndicate links.

February 2026: Over 3,000 Cannabis Slabs & GH¢150,000 Bribe Attempt in Tema

The Greater Accra police intercepted a truck carrying 3,009 slabs of suspected cannabis. Two men were arrested after allegedly trying to bribe officers with GH¢150,000 to release the vehicle and load.

These operations show traffickers relying heavily on highways, airports, and everyday concealment tricks, while officers face repeated bribery attempts (often around GH¢150,000) that get turned down.

Police arrest 112 in anti-drug, prostitution operation

The bigger hauls and arrests point to stronger intelligence, teamwork between agencies, and community tips helping turn the tide, even as the fight against transit networks continues.

NA/AE

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