Tackling Drug Abuse: NACOC Director General Urges Dealers To Reform During “Grace Period” Or Face Arrest

The Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission, *Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey*, has issued a warning to individuals involved in drug trafficking to use the current “grace period” to turn away from crime or face arrest.

He made the remarks during a short ceremony where NACOC received donations of IT equipment to support its operations.

Brig. Gen. Mantey said the Commission’s work is not about intimidating people, but about protecting Ghana and the wider sub-region from the dangers of narcotics.

“*NACOC is not here to intimidate anybody, neither are we here to make life uncomfortable for anyone. We are here to make sure the country is safe when it comes to narcotics. You know what drugs can do to the security and safety of this country and by extension the sub-region*,” he stated.

He noted that those not yet apprehended should see it as an opportunity to change.

“*When you have not been arrested, consider it as a grace period for you to reform. So those who are enjoying the grace period, use the period to reform. With on-the-spot reporting and the use of IT to support our work, we will be able to enhance our operations*,” he added.

*Building a Stronger Institution*

Since taking office, the Director General said his priority has been to build a professional NACOC focused on both enforcement and education, especially targeting the youth.

He admitted that government funding alone cannot cover all of the Commission’s needs, which is why NACOC is engaging benevolent organisations and citizens for support.

“*We’ve been enforcing anti-narcotics laws and educating the youth. That is the enforcement side. We’ve done this with government support, but with the competing demands on the budget, it has become necessary to reach out to benevolent institutions like yours*,” he explained.

*Equipment Donation*

The donated items included *iPads, HP computers, Logitech mice, printers, and UPS units*. NACOC says the equipment will help improve real-time reporting, data management and overall operational efficiency.

Brig. Gen. Mantey thanked the donors and said the support will motivate the Commission to intensify its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Ghana.