The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has seized about 5,700kg of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis worth an amount of GH¢6.84 million.

The bust happened on Wednesday near Atimpoku in the Eastern Region.

The drug syndicate, according to the Commission, also operate in the Volta and Greater Accra regions.

In an interview with the state newspaper, Daily Graphic, Head of Communications at NACOC, Francis Opoku Amoah, said the cannabis was wrapped in 124 sacks, with each containing an estimate of 81 pieces.

In total, he said, there were 10,000 pieces of wrapped cannabis with a gross weight of 5,700kg.

According to him, the seizure follows months of intelligence and investigation into the drug cartel that operates between Juapong, Kpong and Dodowa.

He divulged that seven suspects were arrested in the bust.

The individuals were attempting to transport the suspected cannabis to the Greater Accra Region.

He said the suspects are currently are assisting the police with further investigations.

“The Commission wishes to reiterate that any person who engages in the cultivation of cannabis as well as promotes any business relating to cannabis without lawful authority, proof of which lies on that person, commits an offence,” Mr Opoku Amoah stressed.

This bust is the latest among the string of interceptions the NACOC has accomplished.

The Commission, in March 2020, partnered with the Ghana Navy to intercept 12,555 compressed slabs of cannabis near Keta in the Volta Region.

In August this year, NACOC, in collaboration with the Volta Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service, seized 9,752 slabs of cannabis, estimated to cost ¢4.87 million.

The banned products were intercepted in the regional capital, Ho, after a joint operation due to several months of intelligence work by the commission in respect of cannabis production and distribution.

Providing an update on that case, Mr Opoku Amoah said NACOC had started applying to the court to destroy the exhibits and confiscate the vehicle involved, in line with the law.