Koforidua: The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 10 students from Koforidua Technical University (KTU) for allegedly producing and selling cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams during the Students' Representative Council (SRC) Hall Week celebrations.
According to Ghana News Agency, the arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation carried out by NACOC officers between July 31 and August 1, 2026. Among the suspects is a 23-year-old woman, Priscilla Tetteh. The operation was initiated following intelligence reports on the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis-infused products at the event.
The statement from NACOC indicated that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly selling the products to students and other attendees of the celebrations. Preliminary investigations reveal that the group had established an organised operation for distributing cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams.
The Commission emphasized that the group's activities posed a threat to public health and safety, particularly among young people. It noted that the operation had disrupted a criminal network exploiting social gatherings and educational institutions to promote narcotic substance abuse.
NACOC reiterated that cannabis-infused food, beverages, and other edible products containing controlled substances are illegal under Ghanaian law. It warned that individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution, possession, or sale of such products would face prosecution.
The statement expressed concern about the rising trend of commercializing narcotic substances among young people under the guise of entertainment and entrepreneurship. Educational institutions, it asserted, should be centers of learning, innovation, and character development, not havens for drug trafficking and substance abuse.
NACOC commended its officers for their professionalism and swift response, highlighting that intelligence gathering and operational planning significantly contributed to the operation's success. The Commission assured the public of its commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations nationwide to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks, especially those targeting students and vulnerable groups.
The Commission also appealed to parents, university authorities, student leaders, and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related activities, emphasizing that combating illicit drugs requires collective effort. The suspects are currently in NACOC custody and are expected to be processed according to the law.