Intelligence reports gathered by the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) show that drug couriers/barons are targeting West Africa, including Ghana to establish clandestine laboratories to process precursor chemicals. Precursor chemicals are used in the processing of drugs and other chemicals and alcohol, such as ephedrine, ergonovine ammonium formate and isobutyl among others. It is also used in the blending or preparation of cocaine, heroin and other illicit drugs. The Head of Operations of the Narcotics Control Board, Dickson Christian Akata, disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times Wednesday when he elaborated on the planned establishment of such centres along the West coast. Mr. Akata first made this known in Margarita, Venezuela at the just ended meeting of heads of National Narcotics Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, organised by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) to discuss issues on narcotics. He said on gathering the information about the plot, some time this year, NCB put a red alert mechanism to monitor if any such centres could be sighted or are about to be established. So far, he said in Dakar, Senegal, the drug law enforcement agency with the support of UNODC has been able to monitor, trace and confiscate some items in a factory established for drug processing purposes. According to Mr. Akata such chemicals are mostly processed in Latin America and parts of Europe where couriers use them• in their activities, adding that they are gradually diverting their operations to West Africa possibly to produce the chemicals in large quantities for export. He said although the chemicals can be used in the preparation of some medications, it could be dangerous if its production was not regulated. Quoting a portion of a book that regulates the control of such chemicals, he said every person who manufactures, distributes, imports or proposes to engage in such activities, is required to apply for a yearly registration for each business activity at a particular location. Also, all new applicants must obtain registration prior to the beginning of such activity and were required to report unusual or excessive losses of listed chemicals under their control. He stated that if efforts are not made to deal seriously with the illicit drug trade in West Africa, the situation may get out of hand and called for support to deal with the situation once and for all. “Usually the courier/barons want countries that are stable or peaceful to transact their operations”, he said. Mr. Akatsa said though the consumption level of illicit drugs in the country was not high as compared to other countries in Latin America, the situation should not give room for relaxation in the fight against the menace. “The fight against the drug menace requires the concerted effort of all to stem it before it gets out of hand”, he stated. Source: The Ghanaian Times