NACOC Laments Delays In Drug Cases Calls For Special Courts

Story By: Deborah Adorsu

The Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has expressed concern over delays in the prosecution of drug related cases and their impact on asset recovery.

According to him, prolonged court proceedings and extended appeal processes are holding up the recovery of assets linked to suspected drug traffickers, hampering the Commission’s ability to forfeit and utilise the properties in the national interest.

Appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Major General Mantey noted that drug trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with some operatives acquiring personal scanners and exploiting insider access at airports to evade detection.

While NACOC has made progress in seizures and arrests, the lack of speedy adjudication undermines the punitive and deterrent effect of the narcotics laws.

Establishing a specialised court, dedicated solely to narcotics offences, he indicated would help fast track trials, clear the growing backlog of cases and improve the conviction rate.