NACOC intercepts GH¢100m tramadol shipment at Accra International Airport, arrests three

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three people in connection with the attempted importation of approximately five million tramadol tablets with an estimated street value of GH¢100 million.

The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation at the Accra International Airport on Thursday after officers intercepted a shipment believed to contain the illicit pharmaceutical drugs.

The Commission said the operation forms part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and safeguard public health and national security.

"The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three persons in connection with the attempted importation of approximately five million tablets of tramadol with an estimated street value of about GH¢100 million," the Commission said in a statement shared on Friday, July 17.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment was intended for distribution within Ghana and possibly across the West African sub-region.

The commission says it suspects the seizure is linked to a wider drug trafficking network and have launched further investigations to identify other individuals connected to the operation.

The recovered tramadol tablets have since been secured as evidence while forensic and documentary examinations continue.

"NACOC has reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting the activities of drug trafficking syndicates and bringing those responsible to justice," the statement said.

The Commission also urged the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.

According to NACOC, the three suspects are expected to be arraigned before court after investigations are concluded in line with Ghana's narcotics laws.