 has seized substantial quantities of illicit drugs and gold from strategic entry points and high-risk zones across the country, according to the Interior Ministry’s July 2025 sector report.){kind=link}
In a sweeping anti-narcotics and smuggling operation spanning the first half of 2025, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has seized substantial quantities of illicit drugs and gold from strategic entry points and high-risk zones across the country, according to the Interior Ministry’s July 2025 sector report.
Between January and June 2025, NACOC confiscated 192 kilograms of cocaine, 90 kilograms of cannabis, and 17.9 kilograms of gold bars, reflecting a determined crackdown on narcotics trafficking and illegal mining-related smuggling. The major seizures were made at Tema Port, Kotoka International Airport, and Oyarifa, which have been flagged as critical hotspots for illicit activity.
In addition to the seizures, 94 drug-related cases were referred to the police for prosecution, while NACOC intensified its community outreach efforts through 41 public education programmes held across the country. These programmes aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote preventive action among the youth and at-risk populations.
The report also highlights the Commission’s efforts to shift national drug policy toward a public health-centered model, rather than purely punitive measures. As part of ongoing legal reforms, NACOC submitted a set of new Narcotics Regulations to Parliament and continued stakeholder consultations on a Draft Legislative Instrument. The draft proposes treating drug use as a health issue, prioritising rehabilitation and social reintegration over incarceration.
These actions align with the Interior Ministry’s broader agenda to tighten border surveillance, combat organised crime, and promote a rehabilitative approach to drug addiction. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting NACOC’s efforts in safeguarding national security and public health.
Analysts say the rising volume of cocaine and gold seizures reflects growing complexity in criminal networks that combine narcotics trafficking with illegal mining operations. Authorities are therefore being urged to enhance inter-agency coordination, expand surveillance technology, and accelerate judicial reforms to keep pace with evolving threats.