Marijuana Found in SHS Student’s Bag, Packaged as Tea - NACOC

In a troubling development that has reignited national debate on youth drug abuse, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has uncovered a new method of smuggling marijuana—locally known as “wee”—into Ghanaian schools, disguised as tea bags. The revelation came after a Form One student at a senior high school in the Eastern Region was caught with one such package hidden in his school bag.

According to Mr. Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director-General of NACOC, the incident was disclosed during his visit to Asamankese, where the District Chief Executive reported the discovery. The student had just arrived at school when the suspicious package was found among his belongings. “A wee tea bag was found in the bag of a Form One student. This is a new method targeting young people,” Mr. Twum-Barimah stated during a televised interview with Woezor TV on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

More alarming is NACOC’s confirmation that marijuana use is no longer confined to senior high schools. It is now spreading into basic schools, with children as young as 16 years old being caught with drugs. Mr. Twum-Barimah cited a case involving a 16-year-old boy found carrying two sticks of marijuana. “Sixteen? Two sticks. Why should that happen?” he questioned, expressing deep concern over the age profile of users.

In response to the growing crisis, district assemblies have begun requesting NACOC offices in their jurisdictions. New offices have already been established in:

Asamankese District

Adansi Municipality

Ashanti Akim District

These expansions aim to strengthen local enforcement and community-level intervention.

Beyond marijuana, NACOC has also shut down six drug stores and two pharmacies for illegally selling high-dose tramadol. While tramadol is not banned in Ghana, doses above 100 mg are prohibited unless prescribed by a physician. “Tramadol usage is not illegal. But by law, you can use 50 mg, 100 mg maximum, and that should be on prescription,” Mr. Twum-Barimah clarified.

Mr. Twum-Barimah shared a personal account of a motor rider—suspected to be under the influence—who crashed into his vehicle while speeding. The incident underscores the broader societal risks of drug abuse beyond school walls.

This isn’t just a disciplinary issue—it’s a systemic warning. Ghana’s youth are being targeted with increasingly deceptive drug packaging, and the education system must respond with:

1.Comprehensive drug education programs

2.Enhanced school surveillance and counseling

3.Community-driven rehabilitation and support networks

As NACOC intensifies its efforts under the leadership of Brigadier General Mantey, the goal is clear: reduce youth drug abuse to the barest minimum—even if eradication remains elusive.