By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Canine (K9) Unit of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in collaboration with its Enforcement Unit stationed at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), has intensified behavioural detection operations at the country’s main international airport.The renewed effort forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s fight against narcotics trafficking and to safeguard its primary international gateway from being exploited by drug syndicates.
According to officials, the enhanced operations focus on behavioural detection techniques alongside traditional screening measures. The K9 Unit, trained to detect illicit substances through scent identification, is now working more closely with enforcement officers to identify suspicious travel patterns, unusual conduct, and other indicators commonly associated with drug trafficking.
Kotoka International Airport remains a critical transit hub in West Africa, handling thousands of passengers daily. Authorities say this makes it imperative to maintain heightened vigilance against criminal networks that may attempt to use Ghana as a transit or destination point for narcotics.
The Commission noted that the intensified surveillance is part of its ongoing mandate to disrupt drug trafficking operations, intercept illegal substances, and deter individuals seeking to smuggle narcotics through Ghana’s borders. The use of trained sniffer dogs is regarded as one of the most effective and non-intrusive methods of detecting concealed drugs, whether hidden in luggage, cargo, or on passengers.
Security experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a proactive measure that aligns with international best practices in airport security and drug interdiction. They stress that combining behavioural analysis with canine detection significantly increases the chances of identifying traffickers without disrupting legitimate travel.
NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and international partners to combat transnational drug crimes. The Commission also urged the public to support its efforts by reporting suspicious activities and adhering to all travel regulations.
The intensified operations at Kotoka International Airport signal Ghana’s continued resolve to protect its borders and maintain its reputation as a secure and law-abiding transit hub within the region and beyond.
