Two officials of the Energy Commission have been detained by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) as part of investigations into an alleged attempt to smuggle methamphetamine concealed in a charcoal consignment bound for Australia.

The shipment was intercepted by Australian authorities after the substance was allegedly discovered in the charcoal consignment, which investigators suspect was being used as part of an international drug trafficking operation.

In a statement, NACOC said the two Energy Commission officials were taken into custody because of their alleged links to the approval process for the export of the charcoal.

The Energy Commission is the government agency responsible for issuing permits and licences for charcoal exports from Ghana. Investigators are seeking to determine how the shipment received approval and whether proper export procedures were followed.

NACOC explained that the detentions form part of a wider investigation aimed at identifying individuals involved in the suspected trafficking network and establishing whether there were any breaches within the export approval system.

The identities of the detained officials have not been disclosed, and NACOC has not confirmed whether any charges have been filed against them.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.