NIB intercepts $350million worth of cocaine in major drug bust

Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a massive cocaine shipment, seizing approximately 3.3 tonnes of the illicit substance in a high-stakes operation on March 4, 2025.

Acting on intelligence, NIB officers stopped a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast, uncovering 143 sacks of cocaine concealed beneath a layer of sand. The vehicle, which had departed from Takoradi and was bound for Weija, was occupied by two individuals who were immediately taken into custody.

Field tests conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as raw cocaine, with an initial weight of 2,974 kilograms. Ongoing investigations led officers to a suspect’s residence on March 8, where an additional 13 sacks and a bag of suspected cocaine—totaling 345.07 kilograms—were discovered.

Subsequent laboratory analysis by NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed the total consignment weighed 3,319.68 kilograms, with purity levels ranging between 50% and 70%. The seized drugs, valued at over $350 million, are believed to have entered the country by sea, likely transported through fishing vessels.

Authorities have identified Isaac Quaicoe and Kenneth Cobbinah as the two suspects arrested in connection with the case. Both have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on April 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, the NIB has launched a manhunt for additional suspects who remain at large, vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice.