The Upper East Regional Commander of the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC), Saeed Abdul Aziz, has raised concerns over logistical challenges he says are hindering efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the region.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga programme on April 7, 2026, Mr Abdul Aziz said inadequate resources and poor infrastructure are limiting the commission’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate.
He explained that the fight against narcotics in the region is becoming increasingly difficult due to a shortage of operational vehicles, insufficient communication equipment, and a lack of modern surveillance tools.
“These constraints have made it challenging for officers to conduct timely raids, monitor drug trafficking routes, and apprehend suspects,” he said.
According to him, logistical support is critical to the success of law enforcement operations.
“Without adequate vehicles, our officers cannot reach remote communities where drug activities often thrive,” he said. “Communication breakdowns delay coordination, and the absence of advanced surveillance technology puts us at a disadvantage against well-equipped traffickers.”
Mr Abdul Aziz noted that the commission is currently grappling with several logistical constraints, including a shortage of office vehicles and essential operational equipment.
He said the limited number of vehicles restricts the movement of officers, particularly during field operations in hard-to-reach areas, making it difficult to carry out timely raids and respond to intelligence.
The commander also cited a lack of essential devices, including communication tools such as radios and mobile phones, which are needed for coordination during operations.
He added that the absence of advanced surveillance equipment, including cameras, GPS trackers and drug detection tools, limits the commission’s ability to monitor suspects and gather intelligence effectively.
Mr Abdul Aziz appealed to government, development partners and other stakeholders to prioritise support for the commission.
“To safeguard the youth and communities from the devastating effects of narcotics, we need urgent intervention in terms of logistics. This will enable us to be more proactive and efficient in our operations,” he said.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Joseph Napoleon Anaaya | Bolgatanga
