Controlled delivery allows drug suspects to remain unaware of investigations – NACOC

The Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Alexander Barimah Twum, has explained that suspected drug couriers are deliberately kept unaware during controlled-delivery operations to enable investigators to identify other members of trafficking networks and uncover weaknesses in the country’s enforcement systems.

He said the strategy allows law enforcement agencies to monitor suspected drug shipments without alerting the individuals transporting them, thereby creating an opportunity to trace those behind the trafficking activities.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Twum said one of the key objectives of controlled delivery was to identify the people orchestrating drug trafficking operations rather than focus solely on the individuals physically carrying the substances.

He explained that suspects were not informed when intelligence about their activities had been shared with law enforcement agencies, as maintaining secrecy was essential to the success of the operation.

“When we are doing controlled delivery on you, you, the individual, are kept in the dark and you don’t know what is happening,” he said.

Mr Twum added that the operation also enabled NACOC to examine loopholes and lapses within its own systems that criminal networks could exploit to facilitate drug trafficking.

He said investigators were therefore pursuing two objectives: identifying the individuals behind the drug trade and analysing weaknesses within the country’s enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.

His explanation follows the seizure of 46.7 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, in a consignment that originated from Accra.

The seizure renewed concerns about Ghana’s involvement in international drug trafficking networks, particularly after questions emerged over NACOC’s decision to allow a suspected courier to travel to Lebanon with the consignment.

The Commission has defended the decision, explaining that it formed part of a controlled-delivery operation intended to identify and apprehend other members of the international trafficking network.

Three foreign nationals have subsequently been arrested in Ghana in connection with the shipment.