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About 50,000 kilogrammes of cannabis with the street value of GH¢50 million was yesterday destroyed by the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC).
The exercise which took place at the Bundase Military Training Camp in the Ningo-Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region also involved officials from the Court, Police, Military, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Standards Authority and international partners from Drug Enforcement Administration, National Crime Agency.
The cannabis were seized from suspects between 2021 and January 2023 and destroyed following a court order.
The acting Director, Public Affairs and International Relations of NACOC, Mr Francis Opoku Amoah, briefing journalists said the exercise was in accordance with the Commission’s law, Act 1019, which requires NACOC to seize, investigate, and prosecute perpetrators, as well as destroy seized narcotic drugs after following all legal procedures.
He said the Commission was mandated to destroy seized narcotic drugs after conducting all necessary investigations.
“Act 1019 Section 108 of the Narcotics Control Commission states that: disposal and storage of seized narcotics, controlled equipment, and precursors,” he added.
Mr Amoah said some suspects were currently standing trial and others escaped arrest while their trucks, vans, and cars were impounded in the Volta and Eastern regions.
He said the Commission had intensified its surveillance and urged the public to desist from engaging in narcotic activities.
Mr Amoah said the Commission was moving from incarceration to public health, adding that NACOC viewed the use of drugs as a public health problem, and the law encouraged them to set up a fund to rehabilitate them.
He said the cultivating of cannabis in the country was still illegal, adding that culprits would be arrested and prosecuted.
Mr Amoah cautioned the public, particularly drivers, who allowed themselves to be used as couriers by smugglers, with or without their knowledge, that vehicles used in the act would be seized.
“They must always ensure to check the content of consignments they intend to convey from one destination to another,” he added.
He said vehicle owners should also ensure to conduct background checks on their employees before handing over their vehicles, to avoid having their vehicles seized.
FROM ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI, BUNDASE
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