In a decisive response to Ghana’s growing opioid crisis, state security agencies, led by the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), have launched a major crackdown in the Northern Region.

In the past few hours, security officials have destroyed opioids, marijuana, and other contraband substances valued at over ¢500,000 at the Gbalahi landfill site in the Tamale Metropolis.

The operation is part of a larger effort to address the alarming rise in drug abuse, which recently made international headlines following a BBC investigation that exposed the scope of opioid misuse in the region.

According to a Northern Regional correspondent who was present during the destruction exercise, the substances burned were seized over the course of several police operations.

She noted: “These are drugs that were confiscated during police operations. The related cases were prosecuted in court. Some offenders were fined, and those unable to pay were sentenced to jail terms.

"Upon the conclusion of the cases, the courts ordered that the drugs be destroyed, which is what took place today at the Gbalahi landfill site.”

This is the second major drug destruction operation in recent weeks. Earlier this month, 230 cartons of opioids intercepted at the Tema Port were also destroyed.