The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intensified its investigation into Ghana’s largest drug bust this year, declaring three more individuals—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan wanted in connection with the case.
This development follows the laboratory testing of over three tonnes of suspected cocaine at the NIB headquarters in Ridge, Accra, in line with a court order issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey.
The illicit substances were intercepted in March at Pedu Junction in the Central Region, concealed beneath sand in a tipper truck bound for Accra.
Field testing using the Cobalt Thiocyanate reagent turned blue, indicating a presumptive positive result for cocaine.
Further laboratory analyses by the Ghana Standards Authority including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed the substance as cocaine hydrochloride.
With the test results now officially verified, the NIB is set to proceed with the court-ordered destruction of the narcotic exhibits.
However, during Wednesday’s session, an attempt by the State Attorney to present laboratory results from the GSA through a lab technician was challenged.
Lead defense counsel Victor Adawudu objected, arguing that the Case Management Conference (CMC) had not been completed, making it premature to introduce such evidence. The court upheld the objection.
The remaining exhibits, valued at over $350 million, are scheduled for destruction at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region on June 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to June 24, with additional samples collected in the presence of all parties for trial.
The NIB has assured the public that a manhunt is actively underway to locate and apprehend the three newly named suspects as investigations continue.
Source: Michael Asharley
