In a groundbreaking operation, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a staggering 3,319.66 kg (3.3 tonnes) of substances suspected to be cocaine, with a street value of approximately $350 million.

The massive haul was concealed in sacks and bags cleverly hidden in heaps of sand in a tipper truck to evade detection.

However, the vigilant NIB operatives were able to uncover the illicit cargo, marking a significant milestone in the country's fight against narcotics.

The tipper truck was arrested at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in the Central Region en route to Accra.

The interception of the over 3,300kg of cocaine is a significant achievement, marking about the largest cocaine seizures in the country’s history.

The driver of the tipper truck, 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo, and his mate, Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old tertiary level student, are currently in custody, assisting the NIB with investigations.

Upon offloading the sand, authorities retrieved 143 distinctly marked sacks, collectively weighing 2,974kg. Preliminary field testing conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the substance as cocaine.

Further intelligence-led investigations led NIB operatives to the residence of a suspect, where a subsequent search on March 8, 2025 uncovered an additional 13 sacks and one bag of suspected cocaine, weighing 345.07kg.

Laboratory analyses conducted by NACOC and the Ghana Standards Authority have confirmed the seized substances to be high-purity cocaine, with a purity level ranging from 50 per cent to 70 per cent, NIB sources told the Daily Graphic.

The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on April 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, the NIB has identified additional accomplices currently on the run, and is actively pursuing their arrest to ensure all individuals involved face justice.

Investigators have named one Charles Hagan as the one who contracted the driver and his mate to cart the consignment.

A follow-up search at the residence of one Francis Awortwi, a close friend of Hagan, aka Panya, who allegedly contracted the tipper truck driver to haul the consignment to Accra, led to further discoveries of the suspected substances.

A source at the NIB said the operation showcased the effectiveness of the NIB's efforts to combat narcotics trafficking, and highlighted the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in disrupting and dismantling organised crime networks.

Previous arrest

In June last year, two British citizens were arrested after being accused of attempting to smuggle $6.48 million (£5 million) worth of cocaine from Ghana to London.

Around 166kg (366lbs) of the substance was seized at Kotoka International Airport in connection with the case.

The suspects were scheduled to board a British Airways flight to London Gatwick Airport.

Ghana’s Narcotic Control Commission alleged that the pair hid the cocaine, which was cut into 72 slabs, in six suitcases.

In 2022, the security agencies witnessed a substantial surge in drug seizures, amounting to a record-breaking total discovery of 59.9 kg worth of illicit drugs.