NACOC Flags 73 Properties Allegedly Linked to Drug Traffickers

The Narcotics Control Commission [NACOC] has traced 73 assets suspected to belong to drug traffickers, as part of the government’s renewed push to break up organized narcotics networks and cut off their funding.

The action is part of a wider strategy to go after the financial base of drug cartels by identifying and seizing property believed to have been bought with proceeds from illegal drug trade.

Speaking during a meeting with Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak said the focus of the fight against drugs has changed. Instead of mainly targeting users, authorities are now going after the syndicates that import and distribute narcotics.

He said strengthening NACOC’s operational capacity is already paying off, allowing the Commission to carry out more intelligence-driven investigations.

According to the Minister, NACOC had gone nearly 10 years without new operational tools, which hampered its work. To address this, government has provided logistical support, including about 22 vehicles, to boost the agency’s work nationwide.

“The new vehicles and equipment have helped us to better monitor trafficking routes, carry out surveillance, and investigate suspects,” Mr. Mubarak stated.

He added that with the improved logistics, NACOC has so far identified 73 assets tied to suspected traffickers.

“We are moving away from just arresting people who use or smoke drugs to targeting those bringing the drugs into the country,” he said.

The Minister also noted that with support from the Chief Justice, special courts have now been set up to fast-track the prosecution of narcotics cases.