The Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has donated a state-of-the-art drug detection device worth GBP 56,752 to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to enhance the Commission’s efforts in tackling illegal narcotics trafficking in Ghana.
The equipment, an Agilent Resolve Raman Analyzer, enables rapid and safe identification of suspected drugs directly in the field, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories and improving both operational efficiency and officer safety during enforcement activities.
The handover ceremony, held in Accra, was led by Ian Cunliffe, HOIO’s Regional Manager for West Africa. Speaking at the event, Mr. Cunliffe highlighted the long-standing partnership between HOIO and NACOC, noting that the donation reflects a shared commitment to fighting organized crime across borders.
“We recognise the practical contribution to the important work that your officers carry out every day to protect Ghana and the wider region,” he said.
He also underscored HOIO’s cooperation with the National Crime Agency (NCA) in addressing cross-border criminal networks, emphasizing that the support for NACOC forms part of a broader regional effort to disrupt organized crime operations.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of NACOC, Deputy Director-General for Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, expressed gratitude to HOIO for the timely donation. He described the Agilent Resolve Raman Analyzer as a crucial tool in strengthening NACOC’s operational capacity in detecting and intercepting illegal substances.
“We are grateful for this kind gesture and the continued support from our partners. It comes at a critical time as drug traffickers become increasingly sophisticated,” Mr. Twum-Barimah stated.
He further highlighted the importance of sustained international collaboration to combat evolving criminal tactics and called for additional support, particularly in the area of specialized training for NACOC personnel.
“Future support, especially for capacity-building programmes for our intelligence and undercover officers, will be invaluable in enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness,” he added.
Mr. Twum-Barimah noted that equipping officers with advanced detection technology and bolstering covert intelligence operations remain essential in tackling organized drug trafficking networks across Ghana and the wider West African region.
The donation reinforces the ongoing collaboration between Ghanaian law enforcement and international partners, emphasizing a shared commitment to strengthening regional security and combating the growing threat of narcotics trafficking.
