The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has expressed deep concern over persistent delays in prosecuting drug-related cases, revealing that lengthy legal appeals and pending court proceedings continue to block the state from confiscating and utilizing assets linked to suspected drug barons.
The Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Mantey, made these observations when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
According to him, narcotics syndicates operate with extreme sophistication, employing intricate methods to conceal their ill-gotten wealth and outsmart law enforcement agencies.
“I wish I had the freedom to speak about drugs and the drug traffickers, but obviously because of the forum it is impossible. These guys are very smart, they are not like murderers or they are not like common thieves. If I tell you how they hide assets you will be marveled,” he told the Committee.
Major General Mantey pointed out that even when courts rule in favour of the state, swift legal maneuvers by suspects often freeze confiscation efforts.
He cited a specific instance where a court handed down a ruling in NACOC’s favour just a day or two prior to a critical deadline. However, an immediate appeal filed by the suspects forced the Commission to hold onto the seized property without deploying it.
“We have paid for all the costs in terms of the outstanding fees with the one who gave the vehicles on and as I speak it is still on hold,” he lamented.
The NACOC Boss further disclosed that several suspects currently in custody own massive investments across the country, including hotels, real estate, and substantial funds held in frozen accounts, yet the state remains unable to touch these assets while litigation drags on.
Despite these bottlenecks, Major General Mantey expressed optimism that the operationalisation of specialized courts would drastically reduce trial times and enhance asset recovery operations.
“If we had a speedy way of the trial, which is now commendable because of the introduction of the specialized courts, I am sure narcotics would have been very rich. But as it stands now, the guys are smarter than we think,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
