The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced a renewed strategy in the fight against illicit drug use in the country, shifting its focus from arresting users to dismantling the networks of drug lords and dealers.

Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, said the commission’s past approach of apprehending drug users had yielded little success in reducing the prevalence of illegal drug consumption.

He explained that a decisive focus on suppliers would cut off access, thereby discouraging usage.

"The current leadership of Narcotics Control Commission, our believe is that, even if we go after these people (illicit drug users), we will not be helping the situation but we should rather break the source that they are getting it from because once you break that source there will no longer be island because when you go there there will be nothing to buy."

"We have done some work on some of them, and we need to get to some points before we can strike them. The work is such that if you don't get certain things right, you will get the person, but your prosecution will fail. We don't want to fail in our prosecution, so we want to do it in such a way that if we get you, that 'beyond a reasonable doubt' can be proven," he added.

He made the remarks on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, AUgust 25, in response to a recent JoyNews documentary, Deadly Doses, highlighting the growing menace of drug abuse in Kumasi.

Watch the full documentary in the video below.

The Commission says it is determined to pursue the masterminds behind the trade, with the aim of curbing availability and safeguarding young people from the devastating effects of drug abuse.