The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has partnered with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) to host a two-day workshop in Accra aimed at curbing the trafficking of dangerous substances through e-commerce and internet platforms.
The programme, held from Thursday, September 11 to Friday, September 12, 2025, formed part of the INCB’s Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) initiative, and brought together participants from Ghana, Nigeria, law enforcement agencies, courier companies, and e-commerce service providers.
The discussions focused on strengthening regional efforts to prevent the exploitation of legitimate online services for the trafficking of new psychoactive substances (NPS), synthetic opioids, and their precursors.
Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, in his welcome address, underscored the urgency of the issue, stressing that criminal networks increasingly exploit digital platforms, social media, and online marketplaces for illicit trade.
“For us in West Africa, the challenge is particularly complex. Limited border resources, evolving trafficking techniques, and cross-border vulnerabilities demand regional cooperation and innovative strategies,” he said.
He added that NACOC remains committed to safeguarding public health and national security, highlighting the Commission’s recent investments in digital forensics, cyber-enabled investigations, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms with both local and international partners.
On his part, Clarence ‘Chip’ Duncan, Law Enforcement Advisor to Ghana at the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), described the workshop as a strategic milestone in West Africa’s fight against cyber-enabled drug trafficking.
“The trafficking of hazardous substances online poses a significant threat to public health and safety, crossing borders with anonymity and speed. Therefore, our joint efforts will not only focus on enforcement but also on prevention and education,” he said.
Mr. Duncan stressed the importance of training and capacity building, urging law enforcement to embrace digital innovation and advanced data analytics to stay ahead of perpetrators.
He noted that the INL values Ghana’s commitment and pledged continued support to initiatives that strengthen collaboration between cyber specialists, regulators, and law enforcement.
The workshop also explored ways of enhancing public-private partnerships with courier service providers and e-commerce platforms to ensure that online spaces are not exploited by traffickers.
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