By Murtala Issah
More than 2.5 million Ghana cedis’ worth of illicit drugs have been destroyed by the Narcotics Control Commission (NARCOC) in Tamale, following a series of successful operations against drug trafficking and distribution networks operating in the Northern Region.
The drugs, which were seized from distributors over a period of time, were destroyed after the courts convicted the suspects to various custodial sentences and fines. The exercise, according to authorities, forms part of sustained efforts to rid the region of narcotic substances that continue to pose a serious threat to public health and security.
The destroyed items include 664 boxes and 13 blisters of Tafrado 120mg with an estimated street value of GHS159,160; 260 boxes and 8 blisters of TramaKing valued at GHS781,200; 30 blisters of Tramadol estimated at GHS900; 11 boxes of Royal 225mg worth GHS33,000; and marijuana valued at about GHS83,160.
Security agencies say such seizures have become a daily affair in Tamale, highlighting the scale of the illicit drug trade and the growing demand for narcotic substances within the metropolis. The operations are being led by a special police taskforce initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, popularly known as “Black Maria,” working closely with NARCOC and other allied security agencies.
The intensified crackdown has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several traffickers, distributors, and users. While some offenders have been fined by the courts, others are currently serving jail terms. Authorities say the objective is not only to punish offenders but also to dismantle drug distribution networks and deter the spread of narcotics, particularly among young people.
The Northern Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Isahak Bakuri, has reiterated that there will be no room for the smuggling and distribution of illicit drugs in the region. He emphasized that security agencies will continue intelligence-led operations to identify, arrest, and prosecute persons involved in the drug trade.
Beyond the law enforcement successes, analysts say the frequent seizures reflect a deeper social challenge, as illicit drugs continue to gain a strong foothold among the youth in the Northern Region. Substances such as tramadol, tafrado, and marijuana have become increasingly common, with experts linking their abuse to youth unemployment, peer pressure, and the search for temporary relief from economic and social stress.
A clinical psychologist, Peter Amadu Gmintiri, describes the situation as “sad and worrying,” warning that drug abuse is gradually eroding the mental health and future potential of many young people in the region. He notes that addiction often leads to school dropouts, increased crime, family breakdowns, and long-term psychological disorders.
Mr. Gmintiri is calling for a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation, stressing that while arrests and convictions are important, they do little to help those already hooked on narcotic substances. According to him, the cost of rehabilitation is high and often beyond the reach of affected families.
He therefore argues that persons convicted of smuggling and distributing illicit drugs should be made to bear the cost of rehabilitating victims, as part of punitive and restorative justice measures. He believes this will not only help fund rehabilitation but also serve as a deterrent to others.
The psychologist further revealed that the Northern Region faces inadequate psychological services and a shortage of rehabilitation centres, making it difficult to effectively address addiction. He is urging government and stakeholders to invest in training more mental health professionals and establishing additional rehabilitation facilities to meet the growing demand.
As security agencies intensify enforcement and destruction exercises continue, experts insist that a holistic approach, combining law enforcement, rehabilitation, public education, and youth empowerment, will be critical in tackling the drug menace. Without sustained intervention, they warn, illicit drugs could continue to undermine the safety, productivity, and future of the region’s youth.
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