The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has received an advanced drug detection device valued at £56,752 from Home Office International Operations (HOIO) to strengthen Ghana’s fight against narcotics trafficking.

The equipment, an Agilent Resolve Raman Analyzer, is designed to enable law enforcement officers to rapidly and safely identify suspected narcotic substances during operations.

The technology would allow officers to test substances directly in the field without transporting samples to laboratories, significantly improving operational efficiency and safety.

The Regional Manager for West Africa at HOIO, Ian Cunliffe, formally presented the equipment during a brief ceremony in Accra, stressing the importance of continued collaboration in combating organised crime.

He noted that the device would enhance the operational capacity of NACOC officers in detecting dangerous substances during enforcement activities.

“We recognise the practical contribution to the important work that your officers carry out every day to protect Ghana and the wider region,” Mr. Cunliffe said.

He added that cooperation between HOIO and NACOC has developed over several years, built on mutual trust and professionalism.

Mr. Cunliffe further highlighted the broader partnership between the two institutions, which also involves collaboration with the National Crime Agency to tackle cross-border criminal activities.

“Our teams cooperate closely with the National Crime Agency, and this donation reflects our shared commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts against organised crime,” he said.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of NACOC, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barimah, expressed appreciation to HOIO for the support.

He described the donation as timely and significant in strengthening the Commission’s operational capabilities in combating narcotics trafficking.

“We are grateful for this kind gesture and the continued support from our partners,” he said.

Mr. Twum-Barimah also stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between NACOC and international partners in addressing the evolving nature of organised crime.

He further appealed for additional support in the area of capacity building for NACOC personnel.

“NACOC will also appreciate similar gestures in the future, particularly support for specialised training programmes for our intelligence and undercover officers to further boost their operational efficiency,” he stated.

He added that strengthening intelligence gathering and covert operations remains critical in confronting increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks.