Ten students arrested over alleged cannabis edibles at Koforidua Technical University
Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission says the students were arrested during a university festival after officers allegedly uncovered a network selling cannabis-infused food and drinks.
Ten students at Koforidua Technical University have been arrested on suspicion of producing and selling cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams during a campus festival, Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has said.
The arrests followed what the commission described as an intelligence-led operation during the Students' Representative Council (SRC) Hall Week celebrations, which took place between 31 July and 1 August.
NACOC said officers arrested a 23-year-old woman they believe was the group's ringleader, along with nine male students who are suspected of being involved in the production, distribution and sale of the products.
According to the commission, the suspects were arrested while allegedly selling the cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams to students and other people attending the event.
The commission says its preliminary investigation suggests the group had established an organised operation to manufacture and distribute the products on campus.
The students remain in NACOC custody and are expected to be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law. The allegations against them have not been tested in court.
In a statement, the commission warned that the production, possession, distribution and sale of food, drinks and other edible products containing controlled substances are prohibited under Ghanaian law.
It also expressed concern about what it described as an emerging trend of narcotics being marketed to young people through edible products, urging university authorities, parents and student leaders to remain vigilant and report suspected drug-related activity.
NACOC said it would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks operating in educational institutions and other communities.