The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has declared three more individuals wanted in connection with Ghana’s largest drug seizure of 2025. The suspects—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan—are being sought as part of ongoing investigations into a high-profile cocaine trafficking case that has shocked the nation.
This development follows the scientific confirmation of over three tonnes of cocaine intercepted earlier this year. Acting on a court order issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, the NIB conducted comprehensive testing of the seized substances at its headquarters in Ridge, Accra.
The cocaine was initially discovered in March 2025 at Pedu Junction in Ghana’s Central Region. Hidden beneath layers of sand in a tipper truck headed for Accra, the illicit cargo was intercepted through coordinated intelligence operations. Preliminary field tests using the Cobalt Thiocyanate reagent produced a blue color reaction, indicating a presumptive positive result for cocaine.
To confirm the findings, further laboratory analysis was conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). Using advanced techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), the GSA validated the substance as cocaine hydrochloride—solidifying the case as the country’s largest drug bust in recent history.
Following confirmation, the court has granted the NIB authorization to destroy the narcotics. The destruction exercise, valued at over $350 million, is scheduled to take place at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region on June 20, 2025. The procedure will be conducted under strict supervision to ensure transparency and compliance with legal protocols.
Despite this progress, legal tensions surfaced during a court session held on Wednesday. The State Attorney attempted to tender the GSA laboratory test results through a lab technician. However, this move was met with strong opposition from lead defence counsel Victor Adawudu, who argued that the Case Management Conference (CMC) had not yet concluded. He insisted that introducing evidence at this stage was premature and procedurally flawed. The court agreed with the defence and upheld the objection.
Meanwhile, additional samples of the narcotics have been collected in the presence of all parties involved to facilitate a fair trial process. The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2025, as investigators continue their efforts to track down the remaining suspects and uncover the full extent of the drug trafficking network.
This case marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects—Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan—to report to the nearest police station or contact the NIB anonymously.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Ghanaians and international observers alike are watching closely, hoping the outcome will strengthen the country’s resolve in tackling drug-related crimes and reinforcing the rule of law.
