NACOC arrests main suspect in 8 kg cocaine shipment attempt

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has apprehended the prime suspect behind the attempted trafficking of seven slabs of cocaine, weighing a total of 8 kilograms, through Swissport at the Kotoka International Airport.

The illegal drug consignment was seized by the Commission during separate attempts on August 13 and 14, 2025, en route to the United Kingdom.

Preliminary investigations uncovered sophisticated methods of concealment designed to evade security checks at the airport.

However, the suspect, Emmanuel Jared Ohene Obuobi, was arrested following detailed surveillance and intelligence-led operations.

Authorities suspect the individual is central to an international drug trafficking network between West Africa and Europe.

Meanwhile, the suspect is currently in custody and assisting with investigations.

NACOC further assured the public of its commitment to clamping down on narcotics smuggling and strengthening airport security protocols.

This comes after the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) announced a major shift in its approach to combating drug abuse in Ghana.

This shift prioritises the dismantling of drug trafficking networks over the arrest of individual users.

According to Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director-General of NACOC, the previous strategy of targeting users has had limited success in curbing illegal drug consumption.

The Commission now believes that cutting off the supply chain is key to making a lasting impact.

“Arresting users alone doesn’t solve the problem. We believe the real solution lies in targeting the source, the dealers and the drug lords. Once the supply is disrupted, there will be nothing for users to access,” he said.