Authorities in Ghana have declared three more individuals wanted in connection with the country’s most significant drug seizure of 2025. The suspects: Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan – are being sought by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) following the interception of over three tonnes of suspected cocaine earlier this year.
The massive haul was discovered in March near Pedu Junction in the Central Region. Concealed beneath sand in a tipper truck headed for Accra, the suspected narcotics were transported to the NIB headquarters in Ridge, Accra, for testing, in accordance with a court directive from the Criminal Division of the High Court, overseen by Justice Ruby Aryeetey.
Preliminary field tests using cobalt thiocyanate reagent produced a blue reaction, suggesting the presence of cocaine. This was later confirmed through advanced laboratory assessments conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified the substance as cocaine hydrochloride.
Now that the narcotics have been confirmed, the NIB is set to destroy the remaining exhibits, valued at over $350 million, at a secure location in Bundase, Greater Accra Region, on 20 June 2025, as ordered by the court.
At a recent court session, the State’s effort to submit the GSA laboratory reports via a technician was challenged by lead defence lawyer Victor Adawudu. He argued that the Case Management Conference had not been concluded, making the evidence submission premature. The court agreed and upheld the objection.
The legal proceedings have been postponed until 24 June. Additional samples have been collected in the presence of all parties for the next phase of the trial.
Meanwhile, a nationwide search is underway to apprehend the three newly identified suspects linked to this record-breaking drug case.
