NACOC raises alarm over use of fishermen in coastal drug trafficking
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has raised concerns over the increasing involvement of some fishermen in the transportation of illicit drugs through Ghana's coastal waters, describing the trend as a growing threat to the country's fight against narcotics trafficking.
According to the Commission, drug trafficking syndicates are exploiting fishermen by offering them lucrative financial rewards to transport narcotic substances from the high seas into coastal communities.
The Head of Drug Demand Reduction at NACOC's Central Regional Command, Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN) Alice Erzah, disclosed this during a media engagement organised by the Commission to strengthen collaboration with journalists in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse in the region.
She said intelligence gathered through investigations and enforcement operations indicated that drug networks were increasingly targeting fisherfolk because of their regular access to the sea.
"Most of the time, they use our fisherfolk. They go to the high seas, pick up the drugs, and when it comes on land, that is where the distribution begins," she said.
DSN Erzah explained that many of the fishermen were enticed by the substantial sums offered by traffickers, which often exceeded their earnings from fishing activities.
She noted that, in addition to the coastal routes, drug traffickers continue to rely on courier services, commercial transport operators and individuals within communities to move illicit substances across the country.
While highlighting NACOC's enforcement efforts, she stressed that the Commission's mandate extends beyond arrests to include public education and prevention.
She said the Commission has adopted a "Catch Them Young" strategy, focusing on sensitising pupils and students in basic and second-cycle schools on the dangers of drug abuse in a bid to discourage early involvement in narcotics.
The Central Regional Commander of NACOC, Assistant Commissioner of Narcotics Felix Sarfo-Yeboah, said the nature of the drug problem in Ghana had evolved considerably over the years, making it imperative for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to address the challenge.
Reflecting on his student days, he observed that drug abuse was once perceived as a distant problem but had now become prevalent in communities, schools and even homes across the country.
The Central Regional President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kingsley Nana Boadu, called on journalists to prioritise reporting on drug-related issues, describing substance abuse as an escalating social challenge.
He said the media had a vital role to play in exposing drug-related activities, educating the public and supporting national efforts to curb the menace, while also stressing the need to ensure the safety of journalists covering such issues.