The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has raised alarm over a disturbing trend in which marijuana is now being packaged as tea bags and smuggled into senior high school campuses across Ghana.
The development, which officials describe as a new tactic targeting young people, was revealed by Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director-General of NACOC, during an interview with Woezor TV on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Mr Twum-Barimah narrated that a form one student in the Eastern Region was recently caught with one of these disguised tea bag samples hidden in his school bag.
“I went to Asamankese in the Eastern Region, and during my conversation with the District Chief Executive, he mentioned that a form one student was coming to school and among his belongings, a wee tea bag was found,” he disclosed.
He noted that the issue has escalated beyond senior high schools, with cases of drug use now emerging even in basic schools.
The Deputy Director-General expressed deep concern about the growing number of young teenagers experimenting with drugs, citing the case of a 16-year-old boy who was apprehended while carrying two sticks of marijuana.
“There was a person that we contacted at that time, and we found a 16-year-old boy. He carried two sticks of marijuana. Sixteen? Two sticks. Why should that happen?” he questioned.
Mr Twum-Barimah revealed that the growing challenge has prompted several district assemblies to request NACOC offices in their jurisdictions.
To strengthen local responses, NACOC has already established branches in the Asamankese District, Adansi Municipality, and Ashanti Akim District. These offices, he said, will work closely with community leaders and law enforcement to clamp down on the rising menace.
The Deputy Director-General also disclosed that NACOC had shut down six drug stores and two pharmacies for illegally selling high-dose tramadol beyond the permissible limits set by law.
“As I sit here, we have closed not less than six drugstores and two pharmacies. We will continue to close more,” he confirmed.
He clarified that tramadol is not banned in Ghana, but its usage is strictly regulated.
“Tramadol usage is not illegal. But by law, you can use 50 mg or 100 mg maximum, and that should be on a prescription from a physician. Dosages above 100 mg are not permitted,” he explained.
Mr Twum-Barimah shared a personal experience of how drug abuse poses risks to the public, recounting an incident where a motor rider suspected to be under the influence crashed into his car while speeding recklessly.
This, he said, illustrates the dangers of drug-impaired behaviour, particularly among young people.
Under the leadership of Brigadier General Mantey, NACOC has intensified its efforts to reduce drug abuse nationwide.
“We have a leadership that is determined to do what is right, and even if we cannot eradicate drug use completely, we will bring it to the barest minimum,” Mr Twum-Barimah stated.
He urged communities, schools, and families to remain vigilant, stressing that the fight against drug abuse requires collective effort.
The emergence of marijuana tea bags highlights the growing sophistication of drug smuggling methods aimed at infiltrating schools and endangering children. NACOC’s crackdown on both illegal marijuana use and the misuse of prescription drugs like tramadol reflects a broader strategy to protect Ghana’s youth from addiction and crime.
