We don’t need media recognition to be happy; it’s about results – NACOC on Ghana-Lebanon cocaine bust collaboration

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has defended its claim of collaborating with Lebanese authorities in a recent cocaine seizure at Beirut International Airport, despite the Lebanese agency making no mention of Ghana’s involvement in its public statement. The Commission’s Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barima, said the absence of public acknowledgement did not mean there was no cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on Monday, November 2, he cited a letter from an unnamed foreign law enforcement partner congratulating NACOC on a recent joint operation. Mr Twum-Barima said the letter acknowledged NACOC’s contribution but indicated that, for reasons that could not be disclosed publicly, the Commission’s involvement should not be mentioned in the media.

He declined to identify the country or agency involved, but maintained that the correspondence demonstrated the nature of cooperation between international drug enforcement agencies. “We don’t need them to appreciate us in the media for us to be happy. It’s about the work and the results that we want to achieve, and that is exactly what we are doing.

I’m giving you a promise. Watch this space and see what is going to happen,” he said. He argued that arresting only the person transporting the drugs would not necessarily help investigators identify other people connected to the shipment in Lebanon. “If you understand how controlled delivery works, it’s a chain, it’s a network. You see, you know, you allow, and then it leads you to get to the point and arrest,” he said.

His comments followed questions about differences between statements issued by NACOC and Lebanese authorities after the arrest of a Syrian national at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Read also: Syrian arrested at Beirut Airport with 40kg suspected cocaine shipment from Ghana – NACOC confirms While NACOC’s statement highlighted collaboration with Lebanese authorities in the operation, the Lebanese statement did not make any reference to such cooperation.

Asked whether he was disappointed that the Lebanese authorities had not publicly acknowledged Ghana’s role, Mr Twum-Barima said recognition in the media was not the objective of the partnership. “I am never disappointed. I’ve told you just some seconds ago that the Lebanese officials have been in touch with me and the Director-General from Sunday dawn to today or this evening,” he said.

He disclosed that officials from both countries had been communicating through WhatsApp and exchanging information following the arrest. Mr Twum-Barima further hinted at developments expected to emerge from the ongoing cooperation, urging the public to watch for further updates.