Criminal networks exploiting cyberspace to expand drug trade — NACOC Director-General

The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has raised concerns over the increasing sophistication of global drug trafficking networks, warning that criminal organisations are leveraging technology and cyberspace to expand illicit narcotics operations across borders.

According to him, the growing use of digital platforms by traffickers presents a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies and underscores the need for stronger regional and international cooperation to combat the evolving threat.

Major General Mantey made the remarks on Tuesday in Accra, at the Africa–South Asia Inter-Regional Workshop on "Strengthening Cooperation Against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Synthetic Opioid Trafficking".

He observed that transnational criminal organisations are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities within countries to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics and other illicit substances.

"Ghana is experiencing a trend where these criminal networks are using cyberspace to trade in narcotics," he said.

The Director-General stressed that the changing nature of drug trafficking requires a coordinated international response, urging participating countries to strengthen partnerships through the timely exchange of intelligence, sharing of best practices and coordinated enforcement operations.

He noted that enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies across Africa and South Asia would be critical to dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks and preventing the spread of new psychoactive substances and synthetic opioids.

Major General Mantey further encouraged stakeholders to remain committed to developing innovative strategies that would improve the capacity of countries to respond effectively to emerging drug threats and safeguard communities from the devastating impact of illicit narcotics.

The Ghana Law Enforcement Advisor for the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Mr Chip Duncan, described the global drug situation as one that is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

"The world is facing a drug threat that is moving faster than ever before," he said, explaining that while the international community had traditionally dealt with plant-based drugs, it is now confronted with a synthetic drug revolution.

Mr Duncan disclosed that more than 1,200 new psychoactive substances have been identified globally, many of which are chemically designed to mimic illegal drugs while evading existing legislation.

He revealed that West Africa has become the world's largest market for diverted tramadol, with more than 180 tonnes seized annually, and warned about the emergence of nitazenes, a synthetic opioid reported to be significantly more potent than heroin.