The Canine (K9) Unit of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in collaboration with its Enforcement Unit stationed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), has intensified behavioural detection operations at the airport.
The move aimed at reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking through its primary international gateway being spearheaded by the Narcotics Control Commission.
The operation focused on identifying inbound and outbound passengers who displayed behavioural indicators commonly associated with drug trafficking through the use of trained sniffer dogs, advanced scanning equipment, and profiling techniques.
The exercise enabled officers to closely monitor passenger movements while ensuring minimal disruption to airport activities.
The exercise was focused on some targeted airlines, with some individuals identified as persons of interest also being subjected to further investigation regardless of the airline or flight, underscoring NACOC’s non-discriminatory, intelligence-driven approach.
The intelligence-led searches at strategic locations within the airport, including Aviance, a key ground-handling facility. These targeted checks formed part of a broader security strategy aimed at closing operational gaps often exploited by drug traffickers.
In addition to enforcement activities, officers used the operation as an opportunity to provide education to passengers and airport workers on substance abuse, the dangers of drug trafficking, and the legal consequences associated with narcotics-related offences. The presence of the K9 Unit was also deliberately enhanced to increase visibility, deter potential traffickers, and reinforce public confidence in NACOC’s operations at the airport.
Throughout the exercise, officers demonstrated a high level of professionalism, striking a balance between firmness and respect for passenger rights and aviation security protocols. Searches were conducted using both canine (K9) detection and scanning systems to ensure thorough yet efficient screening.
The operation resulted in the seizure of some quantities of pethidine and morphine, both controlled drugs under Ghana’s narcotics laws, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and canine-assisted searches.
The operation underscores NACOC’s resolve to strengthen surveillance at ports of entry and exit, disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks, and protect Ghana’s international image. Similar intelligence-driven operations will continue at airports, seaports, and land borders across the country.
NACOC encourages the public and industry stakeholders to continue cooperating with its officers as it intensifies efforts to prevent the use of Ghana’s transport hubs for illicit drug trafficking,
