By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, Aug. 4, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has truncated an illegal trade in narcotic-laced consumables following a coordinated intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of 10 students at the Koforidua Technical University, for trafficking cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams.
The operation was part of its routine strategies to clamp down on illicit drug trafficking activities, and it was conducted during the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Hall Week celebrations, which took place between Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026.
It resulted in the arrest of the suspected ringleader, 23-year-old Priscilla Tetteh, together with nine other young men, believed to be part of a network engaged in the production, distribution and sale of cannabis-infused products on campus.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, said the suspects were apprehended while actively trading the illicit products to students and patrons at the event.
It said preliminary investigations indicated that the group had established an organised operation for the distribution of cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams, posing a significant threat to public health and the safety of young people.
It added that the arrests marked the successful disruption of an emerging criminal enterprise exploiting social events and educational institutions to promote the abuse of narcotic substances among the youth.
The statement said cannabis-infused food, beverages and other edible products containing controlled substances remained illegal, and that individuals who manufacture, distribute, possess or sell such products would face the full rigours of the law.
The Commission expressed grave concern over the growing trend of young people commercializing narcotic substances under the guise of entertainment and entrepreneurship.
“Educational institutions must remain centres of learning, innovation and character development, not safe havens for drug trafficking and substance abuse,” the statement said.
NACOC commended the professionalism of its officers whose intelligence gathering, surveillance and swift operational response ensured the successful execution of the operation without incident.
The Commission assured the public that it would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations across the country to identify, dismantle and prosecute criminal networks involved in the trafficking of narcotic drugs and cannabis-infused products, particularly those targeting students and other vulnerable groups.
NACOC called on parents, university authorities, student leaders and the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with the Commission by reporting suspected drug-related activities as the fight against illicit drugs was a shared national responsibility.
“Together we can protect our campuses and communities from the devastating effects of substance abuse. The suspects remain in NACOC’s custody and will be processed in accordance with the law,” the statement stressed.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo