By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, July 20, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is set to host a high-level Africa–South Asia Inter-Regional Workshop to strengthen cooperation against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Synthetic Opioid Trafficking.
The four-day workshop, which begins July 20, 2026, would be facilitated by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), under its Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme in collaboration with NACOC.
A statement issued in Accra said the event seeks to bring together experts from 10 countries across Africa and South-Asia to enhance operational cooperation, intelligence sharing and technical capacities in addressing the growing threat posed by new psychoactive substances and synthetic opioids.
It said the programme would also feature practical case meetings including a dedicated session with India and expert-led exercises aimed at improving investigative techniques and disrupting transnational criminal networks involved in synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances.
The statement added that the workshop was expected to deepen cooperation between Africa and South-Asia by fostering stronger operational partnerships, promoting best practices in law enforcement, and enhancing coordinated responses to emerging drug trafficking trends.
“NACOC, through its collaboration with the INCB and international partners, continues to reinforce Ghana’s position as a key contributor to regional and global efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking while promoting a safer and healthier society,” it stressed.
Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, noted that the evolving nature of organised crime demanded stronger international partnerships, stressing that drug trafficking networks were increasingly exploiting online platforms, encrypted communications and social media to facilitate illicit activities.
“This programme demonstrates the confidence the international community has in the work Ghana is doing through collaboration in combating drug abuse and trafficking,” he added.
He emphasised that no country could effectively address the global drug problem in isolation, making intelligence exchange and coordinated operations indispensable.
The Director-General stressed that as traffickers constantly exchanged information on how to evade law enforcement, it was equally incumbent upon them to strengthen their cooperation and intelligence sharing to stay ahead of them.
He assured the INCB and participating countries of NACOC’s full commitment to the success of the workshop.
“We are pleased to fully participate in this programme and will provide every necessary support to ensure its success. Our collaboration should not end with this meeting but continue to grow through sustained partnerships and operational cooperation,” he added.
Representatives of the INCB explained that the workshop would provide a platform for participating countries to share operational experiences, discuss significant drug trafficking cases and major seizures, strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and enhance cross-border investigations.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
20 July 2026