NIB Intercepts $350m worth of cocaine en route to Accra from Western Region

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has seized a massive 3.3-tonne consignment of cocaine destined for Accra from the Western Region.

The operation, carried out on March 4, 2025, at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast, led to the discovery of 143 sacks of cocaine hidden beneath sand in a tipper truck traveling from Takoradi to Weija.

The truck, which had two occupants, was intercepted based on intelligence gathered by the NIB. Subsequent field testing by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as raw cocaine, with an initial seizure weighing 2,974 kilograms.

Further investigations on March 8 led officers to a suspect’s residence, where an additional 345.07 kilograms of cocaine were uncovered.

Laboratory tests by NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority confirmed the total haul—3,319.68 kilograms—as high-purity cocaine, ranging between 50% and 70% purity.

Authorities estimate the street value of the intercepted drugs to be over $350 million. The consignment is believed to have been smuggled into Ghana via sea using fishing vessels.

Two suspects, Isaac Quaicoe and Kenneth Cobbinah, have been remanded into custody and are expected to reappear in court on April 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, the NIB is actively pursuing additional suspects to ensure all individuals involved are brought to justice.