Cocaine busts: NPP cautions members against possible drug planting in luggage at airports, seaports

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cautioned its members, supporters and sympathisers travelling through Ghana's airports and seaports to be vigilant over what it describes as possible attempts to plant illicit drugs in their luggage.

In a travel advisory issued on Saturday, November 14, 2026, the party alleged that individuals affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) could attempt to implicate innocent NPP members in narcotics-related offences for political reasons.

The statement, signed by the party's National Vice Chairman, Henry Nana Boakye, linked the warning to what it described as the government's handling of recent cocaine-related cases and drug trafficking incidents involving Ghanaian nationals abroad.

It, however, did not provide evidence of any specific plot to plant drugs in the luggage of NPP members or identify anyone allegedly involved in such an operation.

The party urged its members travelling through the country's entry and exit points to take precautions to protect their belongings against possible interference.

"NPP Travellers should remain alert to the possibility of unlawful interference with their luggage or attempts by unscrupulous individuals to introduce prohibited substances like cocaine and other illicit drugs into their personal belongings," the statement said.

Among other measures, the party advised travellers to securely lock and wrap their luggage, maintain personal control over their belongings and avoid accepting parcels or unfamiliar items from other people.

It also encouraged travellers to remain alert to suspicious handling of their bags and, where possible, video-record their luggage and the packing of their belongings.

The advisory further asked members to inspect their luggage before leaving for the airport, before checking in and whenever their bags were returned to their custody.

Travellers were also advised to retain their luggage tags and other travel documents, preserve any relevant evidence and report suspicious incidents to airport security or the appropriate authorities.

In its concluding caution, the party urged its members to remain alert, protect their belongings and travel responsibly.

The advisory comes amid public debate over cocaine-related incidents and the handling of narcotics cases in Ghana.