In Ghana, political protection may be concealing cocaine trade — MyJoyOnline

In Ghana, political protection of illegal markets may explain the decline in visible signs of cocaine trafficking, according to the findings of the Global Organised Crime Index. As MyJoyOnline reports, law enforcement officers and civil society representatives suggest that a reduction in drug seizures and less media coverage of the issue do not necessarily mean that illegal shipments have stopped.

Claims of possible protection

The report states that, according to assessments by law enforcement officers and civil society representatives, certain circles within the government may provide protection to illegal markets, including cocaine trafficking. In their view, this may be the main reason for the reduced visibility of drug trafficking in the country.

Such claims are presented in the material as assessments rather than as an established fact.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Maritime supply routes

The Global Organised Crime Index also indicates that Ghanaian organised criminal groups have become notable participants in the global cocaine trade. The report identifies Brazil as the main source of cocaine arriving in Ghana by sea.

According to the cited data, cocaine is often concealed in containers of sugar. Cargo may pass through transshipment points in Spain or Turkey before arriving at the port of Tema and, to a lesser extent, Takoradi. The report describes Ghana as part of an international network linking suppliers from South America, transit points and ports in West Africa.