The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is collaborating with French authorities to obtain more information about a recent cocaine seizure in Dunkirk, France, involving a consignment reportedly linked to Ghana’s ports.
The information is expected to assist NACOC and other Ghanaian security agencies in tracing the route of the alleged illicit drug shipment and determining how the consignment left Ghana for Europe.
NACOC’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, Francis Opoku-Amoah, told the Daily Graphic that investigations are currently focused on three suspects arrested in Ghana to establish their alleged roles in the suspected international drug-trafficking network.
He indicated that the suspects could be brought before a specialised court dealing with narcotics-related cases following their arrest on Sunday night.
NACOC announced that its operatives had arrested three individuals suspected of allegedly representing and facilitating the activities of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos,” in Ghana.
The arrests followed the reported seizure by French customs officials of 3.9 kilogrammes of cocaine in Dunkirk. The shipment is believed to be connected to a wider international narcotics network.
According to NACOC, the three suspects remain in the commission’s custody and are assisting investigators as authorities work to establish their alleged involvement in the suspected drug trafficking operation.
The commission has not disclosed the identities of the suspects.
NACOC reiterated its position that Ghana must not become a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations.
The commission said it would continue working with both local and international law-enforcement agencies to disrupt the individuals, financial networks and infrastructure supporting the illicit drug trade.
NACOC also stressed that investigations would be conducted while respecting the legal rights and protections of all persons under investigation.
Mr Opoku-Amoah further disclosed that NACOC is working closely with Ghana’s internal security agencies, including the Ghana Navy and Marine Police, to strengthen surveillance and patrols along the country’s extensive coastline.
The enhanced security measures are aimed at preventing Ghana’s coastal areas and ports from being exploited for international narcotics trafficking.
NACOC is expected to deepen its cooperation with domestic and international security partners in the coming days as authorities intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking in Ghana and cross-border illicit drug networks.
Source: newsthemegh.com