• Transportation of narcotic drugs is illegal and punishable

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has vowed to deal decisively with those who engage in transportation of narcotic drugs.

According to the Commission, it will not renege on its commitment in ensuring drastic reduction of all types of narcotic drugs in the country.

“The possession and attempted transportation of narcotic drugs is still illegal and punishable under the domestic law. We, therefore, assure the citizens of our commitment to keeping the influx of smuggling of all types of narcotic drugs to the barest minimum in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders.”

Mr. Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director, Public Affairs and International Relations of Narcotics Control Commission told this reporter on a telephone interview against the backdrop of the arrest of a Liberian woman, Ms. Wolo Maikplay Margaret, at the Kotoka International Airport on May, 14, 2022, for attempting to smuggle cocaine from Liberia to Bangkok, Thailand, on board Qatar Airways.

In all 30 pellets of cocaine weighing 227.2101 grammes were retrieved from her vagina and beneath her breasts when NACOC officials conducted physical search on her following a tip-off, as regards her nefarious activities.

The woman readily admitted her guilt of “attempted exportation and possession of narcotic drug without a Minister of Health Licence” which violated Sections 36 and 37 of the Narcotics Control Commision Act 2020 (Act 1019) respectively.

The culprit was arraigned at an Accra High Court in record time and was jailed 10 years by Justice Mary Ekua Yanzuh on her (convicts’s) own plea.

Ms Woho was again ordered by the court to pay a fine of 10.000 penalty units (GH¢ 120,000) or serve additional three years in prison when she failed to pay.

By Castro Zangina-Tong