NIB & NACOC Destroy 3.3‑Tonne Cocaine Haul Worth $350M in Landmark Anti‑Narcotics Operation

Accra, Ghana – June 20, 2025 – Ghanaian authorities have carried out a historic anti-drug operation, destroying a record 3.319 tonnes of high-purity cocaine—valued at approximately $350 million. The massive seizure, led by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and confirmed by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), marks a significant milestone in the country’s battle against illicit drug trafficking.

???? The Seizure & Confirmation

• On March 4, 2025, NIB operatives intercepted a tipper truck at Pedu Junction, Cape Coast, concealed beneath sand, containing 143 sacks of suspected cocaine totaling 2,974 kg A follow-up raid on March 8 uncovered an additional 13 sacks and one bag weighing 345 kg, bringing the total to 3,319.68 kg 

• Field tests by NACOC, followed by lab confirmation from the Ghana Standards Authority, verified the cargo was high-purity cocaine (50%‑70%) 

???? Court‑Ordered Destruction

• In early June, the High Court (Criminal Division) granted a destruction order, leading to the controlled incineration of the entire cocaine stockpile on June 20, under the supervision of Justice Ruby Aryeetey 

• The procedure involved field testing, chromatography, and mass spectrometry to ensure the legitimacy of the seized drugs, with officials from NIB, defense counsel, NACOC, GSA, and the judiciary in attendance 

???? Suspects & Ongoing Investigations

• Two individuals—Isaac Quaicoo (39) and Kenneth Cobbinah (25)—were arrested in connection with the consignment. They appeared in court and remain on remand .

• Authorities are pursuing three additional suspects—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan—believed to be the masterminds behind the operation 

???? Significance of the Operation

• Largest cocaine bust in Ghana’s history, underscoring the NIB’s growing intelligence capacity and proactive intervention 

• Strong legal precedent: Court‑supervised destruction sets a benchmark for transparency and procedural integrity in narcotics cases.

• Strategic deterrence: Authorities hope the high‑profile operation will disrupt local trafficking networks and raise the cost of drug smuggling.

???? In Summary

Today’s destruction of over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine represents a watershed moment in Ghana’s anti-narcotics campaign. With continued intelligence operations and judicial backing, law enforcement agencies aim to dismantle organized drug syndicates and reinforce Ghana’s position as a secure transit state.