Notorious 'drug queen' arrested in NACOC's Budumburam raid

Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) says it has arrested a 32-year-old woman described by local opinion leaders as a prominent figure in drug dealing in Budumburam and surrounding communities in the Gomoa East Municipality of the Central Region.

The commission said the arrest was made on Friday, 16 January, during a targeted anti-narcotics operation as part of its wider national campaign against drug trafficking and drug abuse.

NACOC identified the woman as Rebecca Afia Naa Dei Kotei, popularly known as “Mother”. Community leaders cited by the commission described her as a key player in the local drug trade who had previously evaded arrest.

In a statement, NACOC said the suspect had been under surveillance for some time, citing intelligence gathered on what it described as ongoing illicit drug-related activity.

The operation, the commission added, resulted in the seizure of suspected cannabis, tramadol and other controlled substances, alongside items believed to be linked to drug peddling. It also led to the arrest of other individuals suspected of involvement in the trade.

NACOC said it had received multiple complaints from residents about criminal activity allegedly connected to some of those now in custody.

The commission said investigations are continuing and reiterated its commitment to intensify enforcement efforts nationwide, stating it aims to make Ghana “a drug-free nation.”