In a collaborative effort, a team comprising nine members from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and 20 operations officers of the Ghana Prisons Service recently conducted a thorough security search at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison in the Eastern Region. The primary objective of this exercise, which took place on Sunday, April 14, 2024, was to locate and confiscate any narcotic drugs within the facility.
Despite the comprehensive search, no narcotic drugs were found in or around the prison. The NACOC team, accompanied by five security dogs, meticulously combed through various areas accessible to inmates, including cells, workshops, classrooms, the church, mosque, hospital, and other relevant spaces.
Assistant Director of Prisons Andrews Osei, the Second-in-Command of the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, conveyed gratitude to the NACOC officers for their involvement in the exercise. He reassured the team of the facility's commitment to conducting regular searches to prevent the infiltration of narcotic drugs and other contraband into the prison environment.
NCO Bernard Tetteh, the head of the K9 Unit of NACOC and leader of the search team, highlighted the prevalence of narcotic drug use as a pressing public health concern, particularly among the youth. He emphasized that the use of these substances often leads to detrimental effects on mental health, manifesting in symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and increased irritability.
The overarching goal of the search at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison was to dispel the common belief that prisons serve as breeding grounds for illegal drugs like narcotics. NCO Bernard Tetteh commended the authorities of the facility for their cooperation and underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing this issue. Additionally, he lauded the management of the Prisons Service for their efforts in maintaining a narcotic-free environment within the facility, contrary to prevailing perceptions.
Looking ahead, NACOC is poised to extend similar search exercises to all prison facilities across the country. This proactive approach aligns with ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of narcotic drugs and uphold security within correctional institutions nationwide.
-source Adomonline | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
