The Eastern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), as part of its mandate, organized a Precursor Chemicals training for companies and institutions that use precursor chemicals in the production of a wide range of products.

The training offered participants in-depth knowledge of precursor chemicals usage and handling, the effects of precursor chemicals, standard operating procedures (SOP), and how the companies can acquire their various permits from the Commission.

A precursor is a compound that participates in a chemical reaction that produces another compound. These chemicals could be used for the legal production of various products like pharmaceuticals, perfumes, plastics, cosmetics, etc.

Examples of precursor chemicals include sulfuric acid, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, potassium permanganate, chloroform, hydrochloric acid, acetone, etc.

The Regional Commander of the Commission, PNCO Grace A-B Tawiah, stressed the crucial role of companies that use precursor chemicals in safeguarding our communities; when these chemicals are used responsibly, they serve legitimate purposes in various industries. However, when mismanaged or diverted, they can become tools for harm, contributing to illegal activities that threaten public health and safety.

She added that the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (ACT 1019) mandates NACOC to organize this training annually for companies that deal in precursor chemicals to equip them with the knowledge and skills to ensure operational safety, compliance, and how to properly store these precursor chemicals.

PNCO Tawiah took the opportunity to thank the companies within the region for always responding positively whenever they are called upon and urged them to continue working with the Commission in unity to strengthen the relationship for the benefit of all.

In a presentation, SNCO Rebecca Osei Bonsu explained that officers conduct site audits and inspections to know the exact locations of the companies and their warehouses, where the precursor chemicals are stored, the security systems put in place, as well as identify how precursors are being handled by the companies.

Touching on precursor chemicals diversion, she explained that when these chemicals are not monitored, people can divert precursors to produce illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, and heroin. These chemicals are essential in the synthesis of these substances, making their diversion a critical step in the drug production process.

She explained that armed conflict, terrorist groups, and individuals may divert precursors to manufacture explosives and other weapons. This allows them to conduct attacks and sustain their operations.

The guest speaker, CNCO Solomon Stanley Eyo, Director of Enforcement and Operations, touching on the theme “Ensuring Safety and Compliance: Management of Precursor Chemicals to Prevent Diversion,” reiterated the need for companies who use these chemicals to commit to using the right SOPs.

He lamented the havoc drugs are wreaking on our societies and stressed the need for all to join in the fight against illicit drugs.

Participants equally took the opportunity to network. The companies that participated in the conference were: Joy Industries Ltd., Blue Skies Ltd., Pam Pharmaceutical Limited, Love Enterprise Ltd., Tropo Farms Ltd., Best Foam, Maleka Farms Limited, Sono Industrial Ghana, HPW Fresh and Dry Ltd., Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited (GOPDC), Intravenous Infusions Plc, and Yayra Glover.

Present at the program were Narcotics Control Commission Director of Enforcement and Operations, CNCO Solomon Stanley Eyo, PNCO Grace A-B Tawiah, Eastern Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Head of Precursor Narcotics Control Commission, SNCO Joel Abeo Sekoh, SNCO Rebecca Osei Bonsu, other officers of the Commission, and representatives from the various companies in the region.