Ghana seizes more than 8,500kg of narcotics, 45.4m tramadol tablets in 20 months
Ghanaian authorities have seized over 8,500kg of narcotics and 45.4 million tramadol tablets over the last 20 months. The government is focusing on disrupting financial networks linked to drug trafficking alongside public education campaigns.
Why it matters
The crackdown highlights the growing challenge of synthetic drug abuse in West Africa and the government's attempt to dismantle organized criminal financial structures.
Ghana seized more than 8,500 kilograms of narcotic drugs and intercepted approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets over the past 20 months as part of intensified efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.
Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka disclosed that the operations, led by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), also resulted in 217 arrests and 165 prosecutions during the period.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Muntaka said the seizures reflected intensified efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade, particularly the growing use and trafficking of synthetic drugs among young people.
“Narcotics Control has intensified its efforts, and imagine that in less than two years, over 45 million tablets of tramadol were seized and intercepted,” he said.
The Minister said the government’s strategy extends beyond the seizure of drugs and arrest of suspects to targeting the financial networks and assets linked to drug trafficking.
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