Court orders destruction of $350 million seized cocaine

Ghana has officially confirmed its largest cocaine seizure to date, following laboratory tests on a massive drug haul intercepted earlier this year.

In March 2025, operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) uncovered 3,319.66 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden beneath sand in a tipper truck traveling from Cape Coast to Accra.

The illicit cargo, concealed in nearly 3,000 slabs stored in sacks and bags, was intercepted at Pedu Junction. Initial suspicions were confirmed on Wednesday, June 4, after the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) conducted cobalt thiocyanate tests on samples, affirming the substance was cocaine. The haul is estimated to have a street value of $350 million.

The testing was carried out in the presence of Justice Ruby Aryeetey, representatives from the NIB, the Narcotic Control Commission (NCC), and both state and defense attorneys. The confirmation clears the way for the court-ordered destruction of the cocaine, scheduled for June 20, 2025.

Three individuals—truck driver Isaac Quaicoo (39), his mate Kenneth Cobbinah (25), and Mawuku Kudufia—are currently on trial at the High Court in Accra. They face charges including unlawful drug importation and engaging in prohibited narcotics trade.

During proceedings, the state’s attempt to submit the GSA’s lab report was challenged by defense counsel Victor Adawudu, who argued it was premature given that the Case Management Conference had not concluded. The court upheld his objection and adjourned the case to June 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, three other suspects believed to be key figures in the operation—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan—remain at large. Authorities say the seizure marks a major milestone in Ghana’s ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking.