The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has executed a significant drug bust, intercepting 3.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at over $350 million. The consignment, en route to Ghana’s capital, Accra from Takoradi in the Western Region, was uncovered during a coordinated operation at Pedu Junction, Cape Coast, on March 4, 2025.
Acting on intelligence, NIB officers stopped a tipper truck at Pedu Junction. The vehicle, carrying two occupants, was found to have 143 sacks of cocaine concealed beneath a layer of sand. Preliminary field tests conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as raw cocaine, with an initial weight of 2,974 kilograms.
Further investigations led to another significant discovery. On March 8, NIB agents conducted a follow-up operation at a suspect’s residence, recovering an additional 13 sacks and a bag of cocaine. The new haul weighed 345.07 kilograms, bringing the total seized to 3,319.68 kilograms.
Laboratory tests performed by NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed the seized cocaine to be of high purity, ranging between 50% and 70%. This haul, one of the largest in recent memory, is estimated to have a street value exceeding $350 million. Authorities believe the drugs were smuggled into the country via sea, likely using fishing vessels as transport.
The two occupants of the intercepted truck, Isaac Quaicoe and Kenneth Cobbinah, have been remanded into custody. They are set to appear in court on April 2, 2025, to face charges related to drug trafficking.
The NIB’s investigations have revealed the involvement of additional suspects who are currently at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend these individuals and dismantle the trafficking network responsible for the shipment.
The bureau has emphasized its commitment to ensuring all those involved in this illicit operation are brought to justice.
