By In a groundbreaking operation, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a staggering 3,319.66 kilogrammes (3.3 tonnes) of substances suspected to be cocaine, with a street value of approximately $350 million.
The massive haul was concealed in sacks and bags. They were cleverly hidden in heaps of sand in a tipper truck. This was done to evade detection.
The vigilant NIB operatives were diligent in their efforts. They uncovered the illicit cargo. This marked a significant milestone in the country’s fight against narcotics.
The tipper truck was arrested at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in the Central Region en route to Accra.
The interception of the over 3,300kg of cocaine is a significant achievement. It marks one of the largest cocaine seizures in the country’s history.
The driver of the tipper truck is 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo. His mate is Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old tertiary level student. They are currently in custody. They are assisting the NIB with investigations.
Upon offloading the sand, authorities retrieved 143 distinctly marked sacks, collectively weighing 2,974kg. Preliminary field testing conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as cocaine.
NIB operatives conducted further intelligence-led investigations. These efforts led them to the residence of a suspect. A subsequent search on March 8, 2025 uncovered an additional 13 sacks and one bag of suspected cocaine, weighing 345.07kg.
NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority conducted laboratory analyses. These analyses have confirmed that the seized substances are high-purity cocaine. The purity level ranges from 50 per cent to 70 per cent. NIB sources told the Daily Graphic.
The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on April 2, 2025.
Accomplices
Meanwhile, the NIB has identified additional accomplices currently on the run. They are actively pursuing their arrest to ensure all individuals involved face justice.
Investigators have named one Charles Hagan as the one who contracted the driver and his mate to cart the consignment.
A follow-up search took place at the residence of Francis Awortwi. He is a close friend of Hagan, also known as Panya. Awortwi allegedly contracted the tipper truck driver to haul the consignment to Accra. This search led to further discoveries of the suspected substances.
A source at the NIB said the operation showcased the effectiveness of the NIB’s efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. It also highlighted the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in disrupting and dismantling organised crime networks.
Previous arrest
In June last year, two British citizens were arrested after being accused of attempting to smuggle $6.48 million (£5 million) worth of cocaine from Ghana to London.
Around 166kg (366lbs) of the substance was seized at Kotoka International Airport in connection with the case.
The suspects were scheduled to board a British Airways flight to London Gatwick Airport.
Ghana’s Narcotic Control Commission alleged that the pair hid the cocaine, which was cut into 72 slabs, in six suitcases.
In 2022, the security agencies witnessed a substantial surge in drug seizures, amounting to a record-breaking total discovery of 59.9 kg worth of illicit drugs.
