NACOC arrests 10 KTU students over alleged trafficking of cannabis-infused drinks, ice cream

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 10 students of Koforidua Technical University (KTU) for allegedly producing, distributing and selling cannabis-infused drinks and ice cream on campus.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted during the Students' Representative Council (SRC) Hall Week celebrations held between Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1.

According to NACOC, the operation disrupted what it described as an organised network that was using a university social event to traffic narcotic-laced consumables to students and other patrons.

"The operation, conducted during the Students' Representative Council (SRC) Hall Week celebrations... resulted in the arrest of the suspected ringleader, 23-year-old Priscilla Tetteh, together with nine (9) other young men believed to be part of a network engaged in the production, distribution and sale of cannabis-infused products on campus," the Commission said in a statement issued on Monday, August 3.

NACOC said the suspects were arrested while allegedly selling the illicit products during the event, with preliminary investigations indicating that they had established an organised operation for the distribution of cannabis-infused drinks and ice cream.

The Commission cautioned that cannabis-infused food, beverages and other edible products containing controlled substances remain illegal under Ghanaian law.

"The Commission expresses grave concern over the growing trend of young people commercializing narcotic substances under the guise of entertainment and entrepreneurship. Educational institutions must remain centres of learning, innovation and character development, not safe havens for drug trafficking and substance abuse," the statement stressed.

NACOC commended its officers for the intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational response that led to the arrests without incident.

It also assured the public that it would intensify intelligence-led operations nationwide to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in trafficking narcotic drugs, particularly those targeting students and other vulnerable groups.

The suspects remain in NACOC custody and are expected to be processed in accordance with the law.