Ghana has recorded 11 cocaine cases in 28 drug busts since March 2025, according to a tally of seizures by various authorities. The tally covers the period from March 2025 to September 22, 2026, and includes seizures made inside Ghana as well as abroad. The remaining 17 cases involved other substances such as cannabis, methamphetamine, and heroin.
The street value of the cocaine seized is estimated to be between $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion. Seven of the 11 cocaine busts were made in Ghana, while four were made abroad. However, the weight of the seized cocaine tells a different story, with the four foreign seizures totaling around 12.4 tonnes, compared to 3.6 tonnes seized in Ghana.
The largest seizure inside Ghana was 3,319.68 kg of cocaine buried under sand in a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in March 2025. The National Intelligence Bureau, which made the seizure, valued it at over $350 million. Other seizures at home show the trade moving in different directions, with 89.74 kg of cocaine intercepted at Kotoka International Airport in April 2025.
International authorities have also made significant seizures of Ghana-linked cocaine. In June 2025, Dutch authorities intercepted nearly 4,500 kg of cocaine hidden in a wood shipment from Ghana, the largest seizure ever recorded at the port of Amsterdam. In November 2025, 2,829 kg was discovered in Antwerp, and in December, a further 1,158 kg shipped from Ghana was seized at the same port.
The seizures have led to a string of arrests, including a Nigerian national, four people over the April 2025 Kotoka consignment, and a senior manager of a manufacturing firm over the February 2026 airport seizure. NACOC arrested three people in connection with the December Antwerp shipment, and two suspects have been remanded over the Wa case.
Ghanaian authorities admit that the threat of drug trafficking is growing, with NACOC's Director-General stating that Ghana is no longer just a transit point for illicit drugs but is now dealing with rising local consumption. He reported a 197% increase in drug-related arrests in 2025 and warned that traffickers are making greater use of maritime routes.
In response to the growing threat, President John Mahama has directed an inter-agency task force to submit a roadmap on stopping drugs from passing through Ghana's borders. He also restored NACOC to joint container inspections at the ports and promised agencies the scanners, logistics, and personnel they need to tackle the problem.
Key points
- The street value of the cocaine seized is estimated to be between $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion.
- Seven of the 11 cocaine busts were made in Ghana, while four were made abroad.
- Ghanaian authorities have seen a 197% increase in drug-related arrests in 2025.
