Ghana Seizes 8,500kg of Narcotics, 45.4 Million Tramadol Tablets in 20 Months

More than 8,500 kilograms of narcotic drugs have been seized, while approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets have been intercepted over the past 20 months as authorities step up efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka disclosed the figures on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series, highlighting what he described as increased efforts by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to tackle the illicit drug trade.

According to the Minister, the enforcement campaign has also resulted in 217 arrests, with 165 cases prosecuted within the period.

He said the large quantity of tramadol intercepted was particularly concerning given the increasing use of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs among young people.

“Narcotics Control has intensified its efforts, and imagine that in less than two years, over 45 million tablets of tramadol were seized and intercepted,” Mr Muntaka said.

Beyond the seizure of narcotics, the government is also targeting the financial networks and assets allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

Mr Muntaka revealed that 73 assets had been recovered as part of investigations into suspected drug-related activities.

Authorities have also seized about 19 kilograms of gold in cases involving suspected drug-related money laundering.

In addition, approximately GH¢6.9 million and US$440,000 in cash believed to be connected to suspected narcotics activities have been seized.

The measures form part of efforts to prevent suspected traffickers from benefiting financially from the illegal drug trade.

The Interior Minister said enforcement alone would not be enough to address the country’s drug problem, stressing the importance of prevention and public education.

He disclosed that NACOC had conducted more than 2,000 educational sessions across the country to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

The programmes have targeted a wide range of groups and institutions, including schools, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, communities and workplaces.

The breakdown includes 1,153 sessions at the basic school level, 185 at secondary schools and 41 at tertiary institutions.

NACOC also organised 187 sessions in faith-based institutions, 147 in communities and 235 in workplaces.

Despite the progress in enforcement and education, Mr Muntaka identified rehabilitation as a significant weakness in Ghana’s response to substance abuse.

He noted that Ghana currently does not have a state-owned rehabilitation centre, creating a major gap in efforts to support people struggling with drug dependency.

The Minister’s disclosure underscores the growing scale of Ghana’s narcotics challenge, with authorities combining arrests and seizures with financial investigations, public education and calls for stronger rehabilitation support.