Security agencies have intensified a nationwide crackdown on illicit substances and drug trafficking in Ghana, and have organized multiple high-profile seizures and arrests across the country in the first 2 weeks of 2026.
Several significant drug busts have been recorded across Ghana since the start of the year, underscoring what authorities describe as an intensified effort to disrupt trafficking routes, particularly from the Volta Region
On January 14, 2026, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) intercepted approximately 25 million tablets of suspected illicit drugs at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL) in the Takoradi Port.
The operation was led by the Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Customs Chemist.
The drugs which comprised suspected Tapentadol and Timaking tablets, were concealed in two 40-foot containers falsely declared as ceiling fans and other electrical appliances.
The declarant, Maxwell Boateng, has been taken into custody to assist with investigations.
The Ahafo Regional Police Task Force also successfully intercepted a vehicle transporting approximately 1,500 pieces of Trama King 250 mg (tramadol) on January 14, along the Goaso–Atta Mills Road in the Ahafo Region.
Officers discovered 1,500 tablets of high-strength tramadol (250 mg), which significantly exceeds the legal dosage limit of 100 mg allowed in Ghana without special authorization.
The driver of the vehicle, who claimed that the consignment was handed to him in Kumasi, was taken into custody immediately following the discovery.
On January 11, the Tema Regional Police Command carried out one of the largest transit interceptions in recent times along the Akosombo–Tema Road.
Acting on intelligence that narcotics were being transported from the Volta Region to Tema, officers mounted surveillance at Agomeda Junction around 12:45 a.m.
The operation led to the interception of 1,613 parcels of suspected narcotics concealed in a white Toyota Highlander and a black Mitsubishi Pajero.
Two suspects, Isaac Odoi (33) and Kwame Mani (39), were arrested. The parcels were found tightly compressed and wrapped in yellow material.
Confirming the operation on January 11, ASP Dede Dzakpasu said the seizure formed part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal activities and prevent dangerous substances from reaching local communities.
Earlier, on January 3, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team conducted a major anti-narcotics operation in the Tamale Metropolis, resulting in the arrest of 12 suspects and the destruction of several drug dens.
Items seized during the raids included large quantities of Indian hemp (cannabis) packaged in polythene bags, synthetic opioids such as Tramadol and Trafodol, as well as four unregistered motorcycles believed to have been used for distribution.
Mobile phones abandoned by fleeing suspects were also retrieved.
Meanwhile, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has extended its holiday-season enforcement campaign into the new year under Operation White Ember.
Intelligence-led raids across the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions, including Madina Redco Flats, Zongo Junction, and the Airport City railway slums, have led to the arrest of 72 suspects as of early January.
NACOC confirmed on January 5 that Operation White Ember will continue in the coming weeks and months as part of a sustained national effort to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
