The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced a new approach in its fight against illicit drugs, shifting its focus from arresting users to dismantling the networks of drug lords and suppliers.
Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, explained that the commission’s previous strategy of apprehending drug users had little impact on curbing overall consumption. Instead, he said, tackling the supply chain would cut off access and discourage abuse.
“The current leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission believes that going after users alone does not solve the problem. We should rather break the source. Once you cut off supply, there will be nothing for users to buy,” he said.
Twum-Barimah revealed that NACOC is already building cases against some drug networks but emphasized that the commission is proceeding cautiously to ensure successful prosecutions. “If you don’t get certain things right, you may arrest the person but fail in court. We want to build airtight cases that can stand beyond reasonable doubt,” he noted.
He made the remarks on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, August 25, in response to a JoyNews investigative documentary, Deadly Doses, which exposed the rising wave of drug abuse in Kumasi.
NACOC has pledged to pursue the masterminds behind the illicit trade in order to reduce availability and protect young people from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
