Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director-General of NACOC, has blown an alarm about how a wee package as tea bags was found in an SHS student’s bag.
According to Alexander Twum-Barimah, the incident happened to a Senior High School (SHS) student in the Eastern Region.
He detailed that a first-year Senior High School (SHS) student was caught with marijuana disguised as a tea bag, and hidden in his school bag.
Alexander Twum-Barimah revealed that NACOC has already set up offices in the Asamankese District, Adansi Municipality, and Ashanti Akim District to strengthen local response.
He highlighted that NACOC, under the leadership of Brigadier General Mantey, is determined to reduce drug abuse among the youth.
The Deputy Director-General of NACOC added that the institution has identified a new tactic targeting young people, and has therefore called for keen vigilance among school authorities, parents, and students.
He further explained that the issue has extended beyond Senior High Schools, as reports show marijuana use is now spreading to basic schools.
Speaking on Woezor TV, broadcast on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Mr Twum-Barimah stated, “I went to Asamankese in the Eastern Region and during my conversation with the District Chief Executive, he mentioned that a form one student was coming to school and among his belongings, a wee tea bag was found”.
“There was a person that we contacted at that time, and we found a 16-year-old boy. He carried two sticks of marijuana. Sixteen? Two sticks. Why should that happen?” he questioned.
He further clarified that tramadol is not banned in Ghana, but the dosage is regulated by law.
He further added, “As I sit here, we have closed not less than six drug stores and two pharmacies. We will continue to close more,” he said.
“Tramadol usage is not illegal. But by law, you can use 50 mg or 100 mg maximum, and that should be on prescription by a physician. Dosages above 100 mg are not permitted,” he explained.
“We have a leadership that is determined to do what is right, and even if we cannot eradicate drug use completely, we will bring it to the barest minimum,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has closed down eight chemist shops across the country for selling high-dose tramadol.
In related news, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has handed over 17 gold bars, valued at $1.7 million, to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) at the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.
The gold bars were seized by officers of the Upper East Command of the Narcotics Control Commission at the Paga Border Post.
The two Burkinabe nationals were attempting to smuggle them out of the country.
Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, expressed gratitude to the Director-General of NACOC and called for continued support and collaboration.
Watch the video below:
Wee packaged as tea bags found in SHS student's bag; NACOC warns of rising drug use in schools#UTVNews pic.twitter.com/VYiBu68w2v
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) September 29, 2025