The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) says a new drug detection setup, including mobile scanners funded by Ghana and the Netherlands, will start operating at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in August 2026.
The announcement comes as authorities step up the fight against illegal drug smuggling, after the recent arrest of a suspected ringleader tied to a 320kg meth haul hidden in charcoal from Ghana and seized in Australia.
Speaking at a gathering to observe 2026 World Drug Day in Accra on Friday, June 26, NACOC’s Director-General, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, warned that Ghana is fast becoming more than a transit route — it is now also a distribution point for illegal substances.
“Government handed over mobile drug scanners to NACOC only yesterday [June 25]. Working with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we are also fully replacing the body and luggage scanners at Accra Airport, which have been out of service for over three years,” he revealed.
He also noted that NACOC’s local command units have grown to 77 nationwide.“District operational commands have risen from under 10 to 77, spanning all 16 regions. We’ve taken delivery of about 27 field vehicles for operations.
A 100-acre site has also been acquired in the Akwamu Traditional Area for a new NACOC training academy.”He concluded, “This marks a major step in grooming future narcotics officers, and that’s why I’m deeply invested in my cadets.”
