Cocaine bust: “I am totally shocked and sad” – Martin Kpebu on NACOC’s continued detention of client

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) over the continued detention of suspects in the 3.9-tonne cocaine bust case, alleging that the arrests are intended to calm public outrage rather than being supported by sufficient evidence.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Mr Kpebu described the handling of the case as disturbing.

He warned that the actions of law enforcement authorities could erode public trust in Ghana’s criminal justice system.

He questioned the basis for keeping some suspects in custody, arguing that there was insufficient evidence connecting them to the cocaine seizure.

The case dates back to September 12, when NACOC arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the ‘Bolle Jos’ cocaine trafficking network following the seizure of a cocaine consignment by French customs authorities.

At a subsequent court hearing, prosecutors introduced additional suspects as investigations continued.

Those initially named in the case included Desmond Koranteng, alias Paul Kweku Yeboah; Musah Attah, alias Kromo; Kweku Otchere; Jessica Hartog; and Jos Leijdejjer, who is currently at large.

In October, the prosecution added other names to the investigation, including Reginald Kwesi Smith, Prosper Peasah, Stephen Boateng, Mohammed Bilal and Kingsley Ekow Boah, who is also at large.

Mr Kpebu, who represents Kweku Otchere, one of the accused persons, maintains that the prosecution has not adequately demonstrated the basis for the charges against some of the suspects originally named in the case.

He also questioned the connection between the different groups of suspects and their alleged roles in the cocaine seizure.

NACOC has said the suspects remain in its custody and are assisting with investigations into their alleged involvement in the case.

However, Mr Kpebu insists that his client was arrested and detained without sufficient evidence linking him to the seizure.

“I am totally shocked, sad, and livid for our criminal justice system that NACOC arrested my client, Otchere. NACOC rounded them up but did not link them to the bust. There is no linkage, and that is why every Ghanaian should be sad and very scared about this,” he said.

He cautioned that the case could establish a troubling precedent if law enforcement agencies resorted to arrests in response to public pressure rather than evidence connecting individuals to alleged crimes.

“It means that any time a Ghanaian complains about any crime, law enforcement agencies can go out and arrest anyone to appease the citizens. That is what we should be very upset about,” he added.

Describing his client’s continued detention as an unacceptable departure from due process, Mr Kpebu called for accountability from NACOC officials involved in the matter.

“You don’t come and say 3.9 tonnes is missing and just round up some citizens who have no linkage. The head of NACOC and all those involved must be held to account. Such an aberration is turning the Constitution on its head,” he said.

The case continues to draw attention as questions are raised about the evidence against the suspects, their alleged connections to the cocaine consignment and the handling of the investigation.