The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is reported to have apprehended three suspects suspected to have aided the operations of Dutch fugitive, Jos Leijdekkers popularly known as “Bolle Jos” within Ghana. Editorial Standards
The apprehension comes after the suspected drug shipment which was seized by French customs officials, leading to serious international security concerns surrounding it.
According to information, there was a seeming connection between the seized shipment and an international narcotics ring. Consequently, the development prompted the police to launch investigations into the suspect’s alleged role and their unascertained connection to the international ring.
The acting director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Police Command, PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, has indicated that the two suspects are currently in the custody of the NacoC and are assisting investigators.
Commenting on the development in a statement, the NACOC explained that its action was part of efforts to disrupt international ring involved in the illicit trade of narcotics and ensure Ghana does not become a transit point for their movement.
“The development prompted the intervention of NACOC with the immediate arrests of the three suspects, who are currently in the custody of NACOC assisting in investigations.
These arrests reaffirm NACOC’s resolve that Ghana will not be a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug traffickers,” the statement said.
The arrest of the suspects is however not transparent, as the identity of the persons and their predicament remains undisclosed for now. The report does not further give any detail into their alleged involvement in the ring.
The ongoing investigations are expected to unveil their possible links to the recent cocaine shipment and the fame.
In its release, NACOC further assured that it will continue to work with domestic and international law enforcement to frustrate the people, finances and the infrastructure to sustain the illicit drug trade in the country, while ensuring the human rights and fundamental righ yots of all persons under investigation. Newscard
The report is currently continuing to face a third-rail for the issues it raised about Ghana’s allegations of involving in drug trafficking amidst concerns by the opposition Minority in parliament demanding a full-scale independent probe into the growing presence of Ghana as a narcotics hub under the Mahama led NDC government.
The Minority has for the past one and a half years consistently made several assertions about the national security and drugs, especially citing a tipper truck allegedly intercepted at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast on March 4, 2025.
According to the Minority, the tipper was carrying a massive load of over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine hidden under a heap of sand en route from Takoradi to Accra and had an estimated value of more than US$ 350 million.
The allages of the seizure and the general drug issues in Ghana have become the subject of a whole lot of debates from both the public and the political class and a full-scale independent investigation may find it necessary to see whether there is any truth in these claims or if the institutions charged with national security are doing enough to prevent the country from being used as a transit point or operational base for international drug traffickers.
In the meantime, the French seizure and the Ghanaian suspects will no doubt draw further attention to international cooperation to investigate drug trafficking crimes involving several jurisdictions.
Such cases typically involve law enforcement agencies, customs, financial investigators and other bodies working together to unravel drug shipments, identify facilitators, track money and link shipments across borders.
For Ghana, this may put additional spotlight on the role NACOC has played in combating drug trafficking. It also highlights the importance of intelligence sharing, border controls, financial investigations and international cooperation to brought about a coordinated attack on drug traffickers. Editorial Ethics & Independence
NACOC has not disclosed when more detail about the arrest and ongoing investigations will be made available and the statement suggests that law enforcement officials are still investigating the suspect’s role and possibles links with the alleged international ring.
Once the suspect’s case comes before the judicial system, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Further details about the cocaine seizure and the suspects role may be provided once investigations conclude.