The Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Twum Barimah, has warned against public allegations regarding cocaine trafficking.
Making reference to the recent allegation by Reverend Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Mr Twum Barimah cautioned that the media disclosures could disrupt ongoing investigations.
He, therefore, warned that the MP could face arrest if he continued to make what he described as unfounded claims.
In an interview with Joy News on Tuesday (April 8, 2025), Mr Twum Barimah rejected the claims of a suspicious flight made by Rev Ntim Fordjour, stating that NACOC had already conducted a comprehensive search of the aircraft and found no illicit substances.
“We had prior intelligence, and a week before Reverend Fordjour made his claims, we had already searched the Antonov flight. We found nothing,” Mr Barimah clarified.
“His claims are unfounded, and as a member of the committee that oversees NACOC, he should have come to us directly with any concerns instead of going to the media.”
Mr Barimah explained that as a security and intelligence agency, NACOC does not rush to make public statements. He stressed that disclosing sensitive information prematurely could tip off suspects and obstruct investigations.
“We are handling the investigations as directed by the President. If Rev Fordjour has legitimate information, he should present it to the appropriate security agencies, not the media. By doing so, he is only giving suspects a chance to flee,” Mr Barimah cautioned.
The Deputy Director also responded to Rev Fordjour’s allegations regarding a cocaine bust valued at $350 million in March, which the MP claimed involved an NDC parliamentary candidate.
Mr Barimah denied the claims, stating that those arrested in connection with the bust were being prosecuted by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and that there was no link to any political candidate.
“If Rev Fordjour has evidence, he should present it to the investigators, not to the media,” Mr Barimah added.
Addressing the broader issue of drug abuse, especially the misuse of tramadol and the increasingly popular “red” drug, Mr Barimah reaffirmed NACOC’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
He revealed that NACOC had conducted several raids in regions such as Western North, where the “red” drug is becoming alarmingly prevalent, and warned the public—particularly the youth—to steer clear of such dangerous substances.
“We conduct raids, arrest sellers, and educate the public about the dangers of drugs,” Mr Barimah stated.
“Our priority is to curb the sale and abuse of illicit drugs. We are also rehabilitating addicts for free. My advice to the youth is simple: avoid drugs. They destroy futures.”
