Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a massive 3.3-tonne cocaine shipment, marking one of the country’s biggest drug seizures in recent years.
The operation, which took place at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast on March 4, 2025, uncovered 143 bags of cocaine concealed under sand in a tipper truck traveling from Takoradi to Weija in Accra. The truck was stopped as part of an intelligence-led effort to curb drug trafficking.
Subsequent operations on March 8 led authorities to a suspect’s residence, where they discovered 13 additional bags and another bag containing suspected cocaine. The combined seizures totaled 3,319.68 kilograms.
Laboratory analysis by the Ghana Standards Authority and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed that the cocaine had a purity level between 50% and 70%, with an estimated street value of $350 million. Authorities suspect that the drugs were smuggled into the country using fishing vessels.
Two individuals, Isaac Quaicoe and Kenneth Cobbinah, have been arrested and are set to appear in court on April 2, 2025. Meanwhile, the NIB has identified other suspects who remain at large and is actively working to track them down.
Authorities have vowed to dismantle the entire network behind the smuggling operation, emphasizing zero tolerance for drug trafficking in Ghana.
