Nigerian Man Arrested in Ghana with $2.1M Worth of Cocaine and Heroin

 

In a major victory against drug trafficking, Ghanaian authorities have arrested Uchechukwu Chima, a 56-year-old Nigerian national, following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation. Chima was apprehended in Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra, by operatives of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), who also uncovered a significant quantity of illicit substances in his hideout.

Upon conducting a thorough search of Chima’s residence, officers discovered large quantities of substances suspected to be narcotics. Field tests quickly confirmed the presence of cocaine and heroin, cementing the case against the suspect. The intercepted drugs weighed approximately 192 kilograms of cocaine and 0.42 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street value of $2.1 million (₦3.2 billion).

The announcement of the arrest was made in a statement signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Ministry of the Interior, Ghana. According to NACOC, Chima had been a high-profile target for law enforcement agencies for some time and was believed to be the mastermind behind several drug-related seizures and arrests in Ghana.

Chima’s Alleged Role in Drug Trafficking

Investigators believe Chima has been deeply involved in the illicit drug trade, operating within Ghana and potentially beyond its borders. Authorities suspect that he played a pivotal role in past narcotics operations disrupted by NACOC, making him one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the region.

By successfully capturing Chima and seizing this substantial consignment, NACOC believes it has dealt a significant blow to the drug trade, preventing millions of lives from being endangered by the harmful effects of cocaine and heroin abuse.

“With this seizure and arrest, we have removed a substantial quantity of drugs from the streets, saving countless lives that could have been ruined by these dangerous substances,” the NACOC statement read.

Ghana’s Commitment to Fighting Drug Trafficking

Authorities have reaffirmed their dedication to making Ghana a hostile environment for drug traffickers. NACOC has vowed to continue its efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb the inflow of narcotics into the country.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring that Ghana does not become a profitable hub for drug trafficking. The safety and well-being of both Ghanaians and the international community remain our top priority,” the commission emphasized.

This latest bust highlights the effectiveness of Ghana’s anti-drug efforts and signals a warning to other traffickers attempting to use the country as a transit point for illegal substances. The arrest of Chima is expected to lead to further investigations as authorities work to uncover the full extent of his network and any possible accomplices.

The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to face prosecution under Ghanaian law. Further details on court proceedings and additional arrests that may stem from this operation are anticipated in the coming days.

This high-profile arrest underscores the growing vigilance of law enforcement agencies in West Africa, as they work to dismantle transnational drug syndicates and safeguard communities from the devastating effects of narcotics.