The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) of Ghana made the largest cocaine seizure in the country's history in March 2025, intercepting a total of 3,319.07 kilograms (approximately 3.3 tonnes) of the narcotic substance, with an estimated street value of $350 million. The massive haul was cleverly concealed under heaps of sand in a tipper truck, destined for Accra.

The seizure occurred in two phases. The primary interception on March 4, 2025, at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast, Central Region, involved NIB operatives discovering 2,974 kilograms of cocaine hidden in 143 sacks within the tipper truck, which was en route from the Western Region. Following this, intelligence-led operations on March 8 led NIB officers to a suspect’s residence, where an additional 13 sacks and one bag, totaling 345.07 kilograms of cocaine, were recovered.

The seized substance underwent rigorous testing to confirm its nature. On June 4, 2025, a presumptive cobalt thiocyanate test was conducted in the presence of the trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, state and defense attorneys, and personnel from the NIB and the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC). Samples taken randomly from the substance tested positive for cocaine. Further laboratory analyses by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and NACOC, using methods such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), definitively confirmed the substance as high-purity cocaine hydrochloride, with purity levels ranging from 50% to 70%.

The cocaine seizure is now at the center of a trial at the High Court in Accra. Three individuals are currently facing charges of allegedly importing drugs without lawful authority and engaging in prohibited narcotic business. These include the tipper truck driver, 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo; his mate, Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old tertiary student; and Mawuku Kudufia. The NIB has also launched a manhunt for other prime suspects who remain at large, identified as Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan, who allegedly contracted the driver. A search of the residence of Francis Awortwi, a close associate of Hagan, also reportedly uncovered further suspected cocaine.

During court proceedings, the state attorney attempted to tender laboratory results from the GSA as evidence. However, counsel for the accused, Victor Adawudu, objected, arguing that it was premature as the Case Management Conference (CMC) had not been completed. The trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, upheld this objection. The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2025, with samples of the cocaine retained for the trial.

Following the positive confirmation of the substance as cocaine, the High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, issued an order for the inspection, testing, and subsequent destruction of the seized narcotics. The destruction of the massive cocaine haul is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2025, at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region. This marks a significant step in the handling of this record-breaking drug seizure.