Ghana launches investigation after Australia seizes A$296m meth shipment

Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has launched an investigation after Australian authorities intercepted about 320kg of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment believed to have originated from Ghana.

The probe follows a notification from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which said the drugs were hidden in two shipping containers declared as bags of charcoal and destined for Australia.

Australian authorities have charged three people in connection with the seizure, which they estimate has a street value of A$296m (US$190m). Investigators say the quantity seized could have supplied as many as 3.2 million individual street-level deals.

In a statement issued on 19 June, NACOC said it had taken official notice of the case and had immediately begun investigations to establish how the consignment was exported and identify those responsible.

"The Commission has commenced investigations into the matter and is working closely with internal security agencies and its foreign partners to identify, trace and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking operation," the statement said.

NACOC said it would work with local and international law enforcement agencies to determine whether Ghana was used as an origin point or transit route for the shipment and to dismantle any criminal network involved.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and other forms of organised transnational crime.

"NACOC remains committed to strengthening international cooperation and ensuring that Ghana's territory and commercial channels are not exploited by transnational drug trafficking networks," it added.

The seizure has renewed scrutiny of international drug trafficking syndicates and their use of legitimate trade routes to move narcotics across borders.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that remains a major concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Criminal organisations frequently conceal the drug in commercial cargo and bulk commodity shipments to evade detection.

Authorities in Ghana have stepped up anti-narcotics operations in recent years, increasing surveillance at ports, airports and border crossings while expanding cooperation with international partners.

However, the latest case is likely to raise questions about how such a large consignment allegedly left Ghana without being detected.

Investigators are expected to focus on the shipment's origin, the identities of those behind its export and whether any local networks assisted in moving the drugs.

Read the full statement from NACOC below: