Over 3 Tonnes of Cocaine Seized in Ghana’s Biggest Drug Bust

Ghana has recorded its largest-ever cocaine seizure after the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) intercepted over 3,300 kilograms of the illegal substance in March 2025.

The massive drug haul—hidden in sacks and bags and cleverly buried under heaps of sand in a tipper truck—was uncovered at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast. The truck was en route to Accra when NIB operatives stopped it and discovered the illicit cargo.

Laboratory tests carried out by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) on June 4 have officially confirmed the substance is cocaine. The testing process was supervised in court by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, with both prosecution and defence teams present, along with officials from the NIB and the Narcotic Control Commission (NCC).

Out of 2,970 slabs of the suspected substance, samples were randomly selected and tested using the cobalt thiocyanate method. The results confirmed the material as cocaine, clearing the way for the state to begin destruction of the rest of the seized drugs.

This operation marks the biggest drug bust in Ghana’s history, with an estimated street value of $350 million. The court has scheduled the destruction of the cocaine exhibits for June 20, 2025.

Currently, three individuals are standing trial at the High Court in Accra. They include:

Isaac Quaicoo, 39, the driver of the tipper truck

Kenneth Cobbinah, 25, a tertiary student and the truck driver’s assistant

Mawuku Kudufia

Three other individuals considered key suspects—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan—are on the run and being actively pursued by authorities.

During the June 4 court proceedings, the prosecution attempted to submit the laboratory report from GSA as evidence. However, the defence, led by lawyer Victor Adawudu, objected, arguing that the Case Management Conference (CMC) had not yet been completed. The judge upheld the objection, and the case was adjourned to June 24, 2025.

The interception is being hailed as a major victory in Ghana’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking, sending a strong message to criminal networks operating within the region.