The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has disclosed that more arrests are expected in connection with the seizure of cocaine worth about US$261 million by French authorities.
Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at NACOC, Francis Opoku Amoah, explained that the Commission is pursuing other individuals believed to be connected to the international drug trafficking operation.
He noted that the three suspects recently arrested by NACOC were picked up following intelligence gathered on their activities over a period. Their arrests, he indicated were part of an intelligence-led operation undertaken by the Commission on Sunday.
Speaking about the development, Mr Opoku Amoah stressed that the investigation is not limited to the three individuals currently in custody. He disclosed that NACOC is working with its domestic and international partners to identify other persons linked to the alleged trafficking network.
“We are working closely with internal partners to make sure that other people who are connected to this are brought to book. I can assure you that more arrests will be made.”
Francis Opoku Amoah
The Acting Director explained that illicit drug trafficking operates across national borders, making cooperation between law enforcement institutions essential to disrupting such networks.
He described the trade as transnational organised crime, noting that no single country or institution could effectively tackle the activities of international drug trafficking organisations on its own.
Additionally, Mr Opoku Amoah indicated that investigators are examining other linkages arising from the case. He noted that NACOC would provide updates to the public when further arrests were made and disclosure would not compromise ongoing investigations.
The comments follow the seizure in France of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container of plastic waste that arrived at the port of Dunkirk from Ghana. French authorities estimated the shipment at about €225 million, equivalent to approximately US$261 million.
French authorities reportedly discovered the cocaine on September 10, 2026, with part of the consignment said to have been destined for Antwerp in Belgium. The seizure has prompted scrutiny of international trafficking routes involving Ghana.
NACOC Rejects Claims Of Passivity Over France Cocaine Shipment
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) also rejected accusations that it acted passively until French authorities seized a US$261 million cocaine shipment linked to Ghana.
Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at NACOC, Francis Opoku Amoah, explained that intelligence operations cannot always be disclosed publicly because premature disclosure could undermine investigations.
He argued that the nature of intelligence work requires security agencies to conduct certain activities away from public attention until investigators determine that disclosure will not compromise their efforts.
Responding to allegations that NACOC has been lethargic in dealing with the shipment, Mr Opoku Amoah stressed that the Commission has been undertaking several activities that have not been made public.
“There are a lot of things that we do that we haven’t come to the public to let them know. We let the public know when we know and we think that, based on the intelligence we have, giving out that information is not going to compromise what we’re doing.”
Francis Opoku Amoah
He explained that the decision on what information to release depends on the stage of an investigation and whether public disclosure could expose investigative methods or alert suspects under surveillance.
Furthermore, the Acting Director indicated that NACOC is confident in its handling of the case and would communicate developments when necessary. He emphasised that public updates would be provided once investigators determine that disclosure would not interfere with ongoing operations.
His comments come after NACOC announced the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos”. In a press release issued on September 14, 2026, the Commission indicated that the suspects were arrested for allegedly representing and facilitating Leijdekkers’ activities in Ghana.
Mr Opoku Amoah described Leijdekkers as a fugitive wanted in several European countries over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. He noted that information available to NACOC indicated that cases have been brought against him in countries including Belgium, while he had also been convicted in absentia.
The Commission’s statement also linked the arrests to investigations arising from the French cocaine seizure. NACOC indicated that the suspects are in custody to assist investigators in establishing their alleged roles in the trafficking network.
According to Mr Opoku Amoah, the investigation is active as the Commission works with relevant partners to establish the activities of persons associated with the fugitive. He added that any additional information would be released when investigators consider it appropriate.
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