NACOC calls for urgent retooling to support fight against illicit drug trade

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is urging swift intervention from government to retool and adequately resource its operations in the fight against the growing menace of illicit drug trafficking in Ghana.

The call was made during a working visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior to the Commission’s headquarters.

The visit was intended to gain first-hand insight into NACOC’s challenges and assess the level of support needed to improve its operations.

Acting Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Obuba Mantey, expressed grave concern over increasing instances of whistle-blowers demanding financial rewards before providing vital intelligence.

“As we have in our plans, I am sure we can arrest a number that can fill NACOC’s boardroom,” Brigadier General Mantey noted.

“But the challenge is that anybody who comes with intel wants to be given money. There are times my directors and I have to motivate them. As of now, I’ve given someone money and haven’t seen him again. But the intelligence process requires patience, it’s quite challenging. The good thing is that my staff is motivated, and they are committed to their jobs,” he said.

NACOC is Ghana’s statutory agency mandated to regulate and suppress the trafficking and use of illicit narcotics.

At present, 19 suspected drug traffickers comprising three British nationals, one South African, one Tanzanian, one Lebanese, two Nigerians, and eleven Ghanaians are in custody for various offences.

Additionally, the Commission recently made a significant drug bust on Sunday, June 29. While details remain limited, the operation marks a continued effort to clamp down on illicit activities.

Despite these strides, the Commission’s operations are reportedly hampered by inadequate logistics and intelligence-gathering capabilities, further complicating efforts to stay ahead of evolving drug trafficking networks.

Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee, James Agalga, pledged to push for policy reforms and increased support at the highest levels of government.

“I am passionate about drug users who have developed disorders over the period. How do you handle their issues? Are you in a position to cater for them, or should we continue to criminalise them even when they have become victims?” Agalga queried.

His sentiments were echoed by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, who underscored the need to strengthen NACOC’s collaboration with the public.

“Your agency thrives on receiving intelligence, so you work in tandem with the general public because you can’t do it alone. We need to support you to be able to have resources at a modest level to incentivise whistle-blowers and facilitate your work,” he stated.

As Ghana continues to face mounting pressure from international drug cartels and local traffickers, the importance of a well-resourced and technologically equipped NACOC cannot be overstated.

With the Parliamentary Committee now pledging action, stakeholders and citizens alike await the translation of these promises into tangible support. Only then can NACOC be positioned to deliver a decisive blow against the country’s illicit drug trade.