The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three suspects for allegedly representing and facilitating the activities of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos”, in Ghana.
The arrests followed the reported seizure by French customs of a cocaine shipment allegedly linked to a wider international drug-trafficking network, according to NACOC.
In a statement signed by PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, the Commission said the three suspects are currently in its custody and assisting investigators in establishing their alleged roles in the trafficking operation.
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NACOC said the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt international drug-trafficking networks and prevent Ghana from being used as a base for illicit narcotics activities.
“The arrests reaffirm NACOC’s resolve that Ghana will not be a haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations,” the statement said.
The Commission said investigations are ongoing to determine the specific roles allegedly played by the three suspects and their possible connections to the wider network.
Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch national wanted in connection with major international drug-trafficking activities, has been the subject of law-enforcement investigations in several countries.
NACOC did not disclose the identities of the three suspects or provide further details about the alleged activities they are being investigated for.
The Commission, however, said it would continue working closely with domestic and international law-enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt the people, financial resources and infrastructure supporting the illicit drug trade.
The development comes after French customs reportedly intercepted a major cocaine shipment allegedly connected to a drug-trafficking network operating across international jurisdictions.
The seizure has heightened scrutiny of Ghana’s alleged role in the movement of narcotics through international supply chains.
While announcing the arrests, NACOC stressed that the suspects remain under investigation and have not been convicted of any offence.
The Commission assured that the rights and legal protections of all persons under investigation would be respected throughout the process.
The statement said the Commission remains committed to enforcing Ghana’s narcotics laws while working with international partners to combat transnational organised crime.
The arrests come days after the Minority in Parliament called for a full-scale independent parliamentary inquiry into what
