Court orders destruction of $350m cocaine intercepted in Ghana

A large shipment of 3,319.66 kilograms of cocaine was intercepted.

The drugs were hidden in sacks and bags within a tipper truck.

This truck was loaded with sand to avoid detection while transporting to Accra.

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) seized the shipment at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in March 2025.

The street value of the cocaine is approximately $350 million.

This seizure is now the largest cocaine bust in Ghana's history.

On June 4, a presumptive test confirmed the substance as cocaine.

Personnel from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) conducted the tests on three slabs out of 2,970 slabs.

The testing occurred in front of Justice Ruby Aryeetey and both state and defense attorneys.

An order for inspection, testing, and destruction was granted by the High Court.

Three individuals are currently on trial for importing drugs unlawfully and engaging in narcotic business.

With confirmation complete, NIB can destroy the exhibits as per court order.

After testing, a state attorney attempted to submit laboratory results from GSA.

Defense counsel Victor Adawudu objected, stating it was premature before completing Case Management Conference (CMC).

The trial judge upheld this objection.

The case has been adjourned until June 24, 2025 for further proceedings.

Remaining exhibits are scheduled for destruction on June 20, 2024.

In March this year, NIB intercepted over 3 tonnes of suspected cocaine valued at $350 million.

The drugs were cleverly concealed to evade detection during transport to Accra.

NIB operatives successfully uncovered this significant haul against narcotics trafficking.

The tipper truck was stopped at Pedu Junction en route to Accra.

This interception marks one of Ghana’s largest drug seizures ever recorded.

Isaac Quaicoo, the driver aged 39, and his mate Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old student were arrested for investigation.

Mawuku Kudufia is also facing charges alongside them.

Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan remain at large as prime suspects.