The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has successfully arrested Uchechukwu Chima, a long-time drug trafficking suspect, in a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.
The 56-year-old Nigerian national was taken into custody on Tuesday, March 18, after a thorough search of his hideout led to the discovery of 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin. Field tests confirmed the substances as narcotics, with an estimated street value of $2.1 million.
Chima has been under NACOC’s surveillance for some time and is suspected of orchestrating multiple drug trafficking operations in the past. His arrest marks a significant victory in Ghana’s ongoing battle against illicit drug trade.
In a statement, NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug cartels and ensuring public safety. Authorities have assured that investigations will continue to dismantle criminal networks involved in narcotics smuggling.
The arrest underscores the government’s intensified efforts to combat drug-related crimes and safeguard national security.
Read the statement below:
Dated: Wednesday 19, March, 2025
For Immediate Release
NACOC ARRESTS A LONG TIME DRUG TARGET
An intelligence led operation by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, resulted in the arrest of a 56 year old Nigerian, Uchechukwu Chima at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.
A search conducted by the NACOC team at the suspect’s hideout uncovered substances suspected to be narcotic drugs. Field tests conducted on the suspected substance proved positive for cocaine and heroin, both narcotic drugs. The suspected narcotic substances, with a total weight of about 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, are estimated at a street value of Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-one Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty United States Dollars (US$2.1 Million).
The suspect, Uchechukwu Chima who has been a target for NACOC for some time now, is noted to be the brain behind some seizures/arrests made by NACOC in the past.
NACOC by this seizure and arrest, has taken this substantial quantity of drugs from the street, saving millions of lives of people who would have otherwise perished from abusing these hard drugs.
NACOC remains committed to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug trafficking and thus protecting the safety and well-being of all Ghanaians and the international community.
Signed
Francis Opoku Amoah
Acting Director, Public Affairs and International
