The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) says marijuana is now being packaged as tea bags and smuggled into senior high school campuses, a development it describes as a new method targeting young people.

According to the Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, a form one student in a senior high school in the Eastern Region was caught with one of the tea bag samples hidden in his school bag.

“I went to Asamankese in the Eastern Region and during my conversation with the District Chief Executive, he mentioned that a form one student was coming to school and among his belongings, a wee tea bag was found,” Mr. Twum-Barimah said in a television interview with Woezor TV, broadcast on Sunday, September 28.

He explained that the problem has moved beyond senior high schools, with marijuana use now spreading to basic schools.

Mr. Twum-Barimah expressed concern about the age profile of drug users, citing the case of a 16-year-old boy who was caught carrying two sticks of marijuana.

“There was a person that we contacted at that time, and we found a 16-year-old boy. He carried two sticks of marijuana. Sixteen? Two sticks. Why should that happen?” he questioned.

According to him, the challenge has become so widespread that district assemblies are requesting the establishment of NACOC offices in their areas.

He said NACOC had already set up offices in the Asamankese District, Adansi Municipality, and Ashanti Akim District to strengthen local response.

Mr. Twum-Barimah also revealed that NACOC had closed down six drug stores and two pharmacies for selling unapproved high-dose tramadol.

“As I sit here, we have closed not less than six drugstores and two pharmacies. We will continue to close more,” he said.

He clarified that tramadol is not banned in Ghana, but the dosage is regulated by law.

“Tramadol usage is not illegal. But by law, you can use 50 mg or 100 mg maximum, and that should be on a prescription from a physician. Dosages above 100 mg are not permitted,” he explained.

Mr. Twum-Barimah recalled witnessing the dangers of drug-impaired behaviour on the road, narrating how a motor rider, suspected to be under the influence, crashed into his car while speeding.

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He said NACOC, under the leadership of Brigadier General Mantey, is determined to reduce drug abuse among the youth.

“We have a leadership that is determined to do what is right, and even if we cannot eradicate drug use completely, we will bring it to the barest minimum,” he stated.