News News from Ghana

The latest news news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

WOII Dzisenu Ben Remanded in Ashaiman Murder Case as Courts Rule on Chess Association and Police Conduct
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WOII Dzisenu Ben Remanded in Ashaiman Murder Case as Courts Rule on Chess Association and Police Conduct

In a series of significant legal developments across Ghana, the Ashaiman District Court has remanded WOII Dzisenu Ben, a 43-year-old soldier, in police custody following allegations of the murder of 45-year-old Abdul Shaban. The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, in Mawugbedzibe near Afienya, where Dzisenu claimed he was forced to discharge his M16 rifle after being attacked by an unknown assailant while on his property. While the soldier maintained he was acting in self-defense to protect his weapon, subsequent investigations and a pathologist’s report indicated a perforating gunshot wound to the heart, suggesting the shooter was positioned at a higher elevation than the victim. The case has been adjourned until August 27, 2026, pending formal legal advice from the Attorney-General's Office. Simultaneously, the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has delivered a landmark ruling in favor of Ghanaian chess player Miracle Morris Stephen. The court awarded Stephen GH"25,000—comprising GH"20,000 in compensation and GH"5,000 in costs—after finding that the Ghana Chess Association (GCA) violated his rights. Stephen had been suspended on February 7, 2026, after withdrawing from the National Chess Championships on health grounds. The court determined the GCA failed to provide him with a fair hearing before taking disciplinary action and has ordered a public revocation of the suspension, clearing the way for his return to competitive play. In another matter involving state authority, Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei is demanding a formal public apology and financial compensation from the Ghana Police Service. The Apostle alleges he was subjected to assault and humiliation at the Police Headquarters following his arrest over derogatory comments regarding Prophet Mohammed. These developments coincide with a somber international report from southern France, where authorities have detained two men in connection with the discovery of the burned body of 29-year-old influencer Sonia Bellina. Her remains were found in a vineyard on August 12, prompting an investigation that has sparked significant online backlash and calls for privacy from her family. These cases collectively highlight a period of intense judicial activity and a growing focus on human rights and institutional accountability within Ghana under the current administration. As the Attorney-General's Office prepares its advice for the Ashaiman murder trial and the Ghana Chess Association moves to comply with the High Court's directives, the outcomes are expected to set important precedents for both military conduct and the administration of sports bodies. The public continues to monitor these proceedings closely, seeking assurance that justice is served across both criminal and civil spheres.

Gushegu Nursing and Midwifery Training College Fire Sparks Urgent Calls for District Fire Station
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Gushegu Nursing and Midwifery Training College Fire Sparks Urgent Calls for District Fire Station

On August 17, 2026, a significant fire broke out at the Gushegu Nursing and Midwifery Training College, resulting in the destruction of the institution's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory and an adjacent classroom. The incident has once again brought to the forefront the critical infrastructure gaps in the Gushegu District, as the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel had to be dispatched from Yendi—a distance of approximately 61 kilometers—to tackle the inferno. Despite the logistical challenges and the significant travel time required, the prompt notification and response of the Yendi fire crew prevented the blaze from consuming the entire campus. According to reports from the GNFS, the fire began in the early morning hours. Upon receiving the emergency call, the Yendi team embarked on the long journey to reach the college. Firefighters arrived on the scene and successfully contained the fire by 8:52 AM, bringing it under complete control and extinguishing it fully by 9:13 AM. While the ICT equipment and classroom structures were lost, the swift tactical intervention of the fire officers was credited with saving nearby academic blocks and student dormitories from being engulfed, minimizing the potential for a larger tragedy. The incident has sparked a wave of concern among local stakeholders, including school authorities and community leaders, who are now intensifying their appeals to the government and the Member of Parliament for Gushegu. The recurring theme of their grievance is the total absence of a functional fire station within the Gushegu District. Stakeholders argue that relying on a station located over 60 kilometers away is a high-risk strategy that unnecessarily endangers lives and property, as the response time is inherently limited by the travel distance and prevailing road conditions. As the Ghana National Fire Service begins its official investigation to determine the specific cause of the outbreak, the community remains on edge. The loss of the ICT lab is expected to significantly impact the academic activities of the nursing students, who rely on the facility for their training and examinations. The government is being urged to prioritize the establishment of a dedicated fire station in Gushegu to ensure that future emergencies can be addressed with the urgency they require, thereby safeguarding the district’s vital educational and social institutions.

Police Seize 500 Cartons of Tramadol in Upper East as Authorities Disrupt Major Drug Trafficking Networks
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Police Seize 500 Cartons of Tramadol in Upper East as Authorities Disrupt Major Drug Trafficking Networks

In a major blow to transnational drug trafficking, the Police Intelligence Directorate and the operational team known as 'The Black Cobra' seized approximately 500 cartons of assorted Tramadol in Widana, located in the Pusiga District of the Upper East Region. The early morning raid on August 18, 2026, followed a month-long intelligence operation targeting a private warehouse and residential premises. Authorities arrested a 21-year-old Burkinabe national, Abdul Ali, in connection with the haul. Investigations suggest that the town of Widana has become a strategic transshipment point for a drug syndicate involving nationals from Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Senegal who are orchestrating the distribution of illegal substances across the sub-region. Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP John Ferguson Dzineku, emphasized that the operation is part of a broader commitment to eradicate drug abuse and trafficking in the region. This breakthrough coincides with another significant enforcement action at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, where the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) intercepted a delivery driver suspected of transporting a substantial quantity of cocaine. NACOC officials are currently pursuing the suspected leader of the drug syndicate believed to be behind the airport shipment, signaling an intensified national crackdown on high-value narcotics. Beyond drug enforcement, the Ghanaian justice system is also addressing major economic crimes. An Accra Circuit Court recently remanded two individuals, Alhassan Amidu and Francis Owusu, into custody for the alleged theft of 54,000 litres of petrol valued at GH¢932,040. The prosecution alleges that the duo conspired to sell the fuel and subsequently set fire to the delivery tanker—valued at GH¢980,000—to cover their tracks by reporting the incident as an accident. Meanwhile, in Walewale, residents have expressed growing safety concerns after armed robbers attacked a mobile money vendor in broad daylight, fleeing with cash and a motorbike after firing several warning shots. These domestic enforcement efforts are mirrored by a global surge in drug seizures. Recent reports from the UK's Southampton Port reveal that Border Force officers confiscated over £160 million ($216 million) worth of cocaine and cannabis in a single month, including nearly a ton of cocaine hidden within banana shipments. In the year ending March 2025, UK authorities reported a 40% increase in drug seizures, totaling 150 tons. These figures underscore the massive scale of the international narcotics trade that Ghanaian authorities are currently battling at their own borders and transit hubs.

National Road Safety Authority Reports Surge in Fatalities as Recent Crashes Claim Lives in Budumburam and Kumasi
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National Road Safety Authority Reports Surge in Fatalities as Recent Crashes Claim Lives in Budumburam and Kumasi

Ghana is grappling with a worsening road safety crisis as the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reports a significant 18.2% increase in road fatalities, with 2,949 deaths recorded in 2025. This alarming trend is underscored by several recent high-profile accidents across the country, ranging from fatal collisions involving heavy-duty trucks to high-speed crashes on university campuses. The surge in road carnage has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and mandatory vehicle inspections to address underlying mechanical failures that continue to claim lives on the nation's deadliest corridors. In recent days, multiple incidents have highlighted the diverse nature of the risks on Ghanaian roads. At Gomoa Budumburam on the Winneba highway, a tragic collision occurred when a cargo truck, attempting to maneuver around a parked vehicle, ran over a motorcycle. The crash resulted in the immediate death of the "Okada" rider and left his pillion rider in critical condition; the truck driver was subsequently apprehended by witnesses and handed over to the police. Meanwhile, in Kumasi, a police pickup vehicle transporting seven suspected cannabis smokers collided with a commercial "trotro" at the KNUST traffic light. The police vehicle, which was reportedly using sirens while traveling at high speed, caused injuries to several individuals, including an officer who sustained serious injuries. The Accra–Kumasi Highway remains a particularly dangerous route, evidenced by an accident at Biremso near the Anyinasin Junction. A Toyota Corolla carrying six male occupants veered off the road and plunged into the Birim River. Fortunately, all six passengers were rescued by members of the public and taken to Hawa Saviour Memorial Hospital for treatment, though the vehicle suffered severe damage. This incident, occurring in mid-August 2026, highlights the ongoing vulnerability of commuters on major national transit routes where the cause of such veering accidents often remains under investigation. Data from safety experts point to a critical systemic issue involving heavy-duty vehicles, such as fuel tankers and tipper trucks, which are vital to the economy but frequently poorly maintained. These vehicles are often plagued by faulty air brake systems, with leaks, overheating, and overloading contributing to an estimated 90% of crashes involving this class of vehicle. To combat this escalating emergency, the NRSA and road safety advocates are calling for mandatory, rigorous inspections for all vehicles utilizing compressed air brake systems to ensure that mechanical failures do not continue to turn the nation's highways into scenes of avoidable tragedy.

Central African Republic Mine Collapse and Kenya Helicopter Crash Lead Global Reports on Tragic Fatalities
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Central African Republic Mine Collapse and Kenya Helicopter Crash Lead Global Reports on Tragic Fatalities

A series of devastating international accidents and natural disasters has claimed scores of lives across Africa, Asia, and Europe this week, with the most significant loss of life reported in the Central African Republic (CAR). A massive landslide at the Zamboye gold mine, located near the Cameroon border, has resulted in a high number of fatalities at an illegal mining site. Local authorities and rescue teams indicate that while the initial death toll is significant, final estimates could rise to as many as 100 people as search operations continue in the remote region. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers associated with unregulated mining activities in the area. In Kenya, another major tragedy occurred when a helicopter crashed at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County. The aircraft, identified as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, was conducting a scenic flight from a wildlife conservancy to Ewaso Nyiro when it went down at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time. All individuals on board, which included at least six people—primarily tourists and a pilot—were killed in the accident. Due to the inaccessible nature of the terrain, investigators from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the transport ministry have deployed drones to assess the site as they work to confirm the identities of the victims and determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, urban and environmental emergencies have struck India and Belgium. In Kolkata, India, a fire broke out at a hotel in the early hours of the morning, leading to the deaths of at least nine people, including a child. Most of the victims were reportedly Bangladeshi citizens who had traveled to the city for medical treatment. While investigators suspect an electrical short circuit, they managed to evacuate 30 others safely. Simultaneously, in Belgium, firefighters are struggling to contain a massive wildfire in the High Fens region. The blaze has already consumed 3,000 hectares and approached within 2.3 kilometers of the German border. Although rain and firebreaks have helped slow the spread, aerial efforts remain grounded by heavy cloud cover, and four firefighters have been injured during the operations. In a separate humanitarian development, the Italian NGO Emergency rescued 50 migrants from a wooden boat in international waters off the Libyan coast. During the operation, the crew also recovered the bodies of seven individuals who did not survive the perilous journey. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean, where Libya remains a primary, yet dangerous, departure point for those seeking to reach Europe. Collectively, these events underscore a week of significant global hardship, prompting various national authorities to launch rigorous investigations into safety protocols and disaster management.

Ghana Strengthens Global Climate Partnerships and Accelerates National Transition Toward Digital Voting Systems
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Ghana Strengthens Global Climate Partnerships and Accelerates National Transition Toward Digital Voting Systems

Ghana is currently spearheading two significant transitions: a diplomatic push for actionable climate policy and a domestic shift toward digital governance in social and professional spheres. The nation recently hosted representatives from Kenya, the Netherlands, and South Africa for high-level talks focused on turning theoretical climate plans into tangible interventions. This international gathering emphasized that for climate commitments to be effective, they must be supported by robust financing, strategic partnerships, and deep community engagement to protect those most vulnerable to environmental changes. Simultaneously, the country's internal voting culture is undergoing a rapid evolution as digital platforms replace traditional manual processes. This technological shift is becoming the new standard for a wide array of Ghanaian institutions, including awards schemes, reality shows, and beauty pageants. Beyond entertainment, the transition to digital voting is being embraced by schools, professional associations, and various community initiatives, signaling a move away from the inefficiencies of paper ballots and manual counting toward more transparent and accessible participation. These dual developments reflect a broader national trend toward modernization and proactive leadership under the current administration. By hosting critical regional dialogues on sustainability and fostering a culture of technological adoption at home, Ghana is positioning itself as a forward-looking hub for both environmental diplomacy and digital innovation. Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on the continued integration of these new systems into the daily lives of citizens, ensuring that progress in both policy and technology remains inclusive and impactful.

Okaikwei North MCE Christian Tetteh Badger Projects Completion of Apenkwa Interchange Repairs Within Four Days
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Okaikwei North MCE Christian Tetteh Badger Projects Completion of Apenkwa Interchange Repairs Within Four Days

The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly has announced a definitive timeline for the completion of emergency maintenance works on the Accra-bound section of the Apenkwa Interchange. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Christian Tetteh Badger confirmed that the repair team is making significant progress, with the project expected to be fully finalized within the next three to four days. This critical intervention aims to restore the integrity of the road surface on one of the capital's most heavily trafficked transit points, which serves as a vital link for commuters heading into the heart of Accra. The decision to undertake these emergency repairs follows a surge in complaints from motorists and residents regarding the deteriorating state of the interchange. The road's condition had reportedly reached a level that caused severe traffic congestion, leading to increased travel times and safety concerns for daily users. Mr. Badger noted that the assembly moved swiftly to engage contractors to address these issues, emphasizing that the works are focused on resolving the specific potholes and structural failures that have impeded the flow of vehicles in recent weeks. As the project enters its final stage, the Municipal Assembly has issued an appeal for cooperation and patience from the motoring public. Authorities have established traffic management measures to guide vehicles safely through the construction zone and minimize delays. The MCE stressed that while the ongoing work may cause temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefits of a smoother and safer roadway will significantly improve the daily commute for thousands of Ghanaians. These efforts reflect the broader commitment of the government under President John Mahama to prioritize urban infrastructure maintenance and enhance the quality of national road networks.

Search Intensifies for 20-Year-Old Kombat Yaw Yiremiah Following Drowning at Ghana-Togo Border
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Search Intensifies for 20-Year-Old Kombat Yaw Yiremiah Following Drowning at Ghana-Togo Border

Tragedy struck the border community between Ghana and Togo on August 16, 2026, when 20-year-old Kombat Yaw Yiremiah drowned while helping travellers cross a river separating the two nations. The young man was reportedly assisting individuals in navigating the water when he was swept away by the current. Despite immediate efforts by those on the scene to rescue him, he did not resurface, leading to an immediate state of emergency within the local district. Following the incident, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and local community members launched an intensive search and recovery operation. As of August 17, the body of the deceased has yet to be located. The local NADMO Director described the situation as grave, indicating that the river's current and environmental conditions have posed significant challenges to the search teams. In a reflection of the deep-seated cultural traditions of the area, community leaders have also consulted traditional methods and rites in hopes of assisting the recovery efforts. The family of Kombat Yaw Yiremiah, along with the broader community, has issued an urgent appeal to national authorities for additional logistical support to expedite the recovery process. The loss has left the community in mourning and highlights the persistent risks individuals face when facilitating movement across unconventional border points. As the search enters its second full day, the primary focus remains on providing closure to the bereaved family and ensuring the safe recovery of the young man's remains.

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Church of Christ SHS Dethrones Prempeh College as Luv FM High School Debate Enters Intense Quarter-Final Phase

The landscape of the Luv FM Kel-Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate has shifted dramatically following a series of high-stakes quarter-final matches that saw the exit of the defending champions. In a stunning upset that has reshaped the competition's trajectory, Prempeh College was eliminated by Church of Christ SHS (CHRISSEC), clearing the path for a new titleholder to emerge in this year’s prestigious intellectual showdown. The exit of the reigning champions marks a significant turning point in the tournament, which continues to draw attention for its high standards of oratory and critical analysis. Church of Christ SHS secured their place in the next round by successfully outmaneuvering Prempeh College in a debate centered on a contentious national policy. Arguing against the motion "Adding towing services to insurance premium is disingenuous," the CHRISSEC team delivered a compelling performance that resonated with the panel of judges. The encounter concluded with a unanimous decision in favor of the challengers, who outscored the defending champions 242 to 221, effectively ending Prempeh's hopes for a consecutive title. The competition remained equally fierce in the other quarter-final slot, where Kumasi High School (KUHIS) narrowly edged out T.I. AMASS Kumasi in a battle of wits that went down to the wire. Both schools showcased exceptional intellectual depth and passion, reflecting the intense preparation involved in the tournament. In the end, KUHIS secured a razor-thin victory with a final score of 234 points against T.I. AMASS's 233, a single-point margin that highlighted the competitive nature of the Ashanti Region's top senior high schools. With the elimination of Prempeh College, the Luv FM High School Debate is now wide open, injecting fresh excitement into the upcoming rounds as a new champion is guaranteed to be crowned. As Church of Christ SHS and Kumasi High School advance toward the semi-finals, the focus shifts to whether these rising contenders can maintain their momentum under increasing pressure. The tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for Ghanaian students to engage with complex socio-economic issues, fostering critical thinking and public speaking excellence among the nation's future leaders.

Ghana National Fire Service Contains Blaze at Spintex; 27 Wooden Structures Destroyed at Frimpomaa Estate
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Ghana National Fire Service Contains Blaze at Spintex; 27 Wooden Structures Destroyed at Frimpomaa Estate

A devastating fire early Monday morning swept through a section of the Frimpomaa Estate at Spintex in the Greater Accra Region, reducing approximately 27 wooden structures to ashes. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was alerted to the incident at approximately 7:30 a.m., prompting an immediate dispatch of personnel to the scene located behind the Absa Bank branch. Despite the rapid spread of the flames among the combustible materials, firefighters managed to bring the situation under control by 9:22 a.m., preventing a potentially larger catastrophe in the densely populated commercial and residential hub. The fire's progression posed a significant threat to permanent buildings and social infrastructure in the immediate vicinity. Firefighting teams focused their strategic efforts on creating a firebreak to protect a nearby church and several adjacent residential properties that were in the direct path of the inferno. While the 27 wooden structures were completely razed, no casualties or serious injuries were reported during the operation. The loss of property remains substantial for the inhabitants of these structures, many of whom were caught off guard by the speed of the outbreak during the early morning rush. Following the successful containment of the blaze, DOIII Matthew Kumi, the Acting Regional Operations Officer of the GNFS, underscored the critical need for heightened fire safety awareness within urban communities. He urged residents and business owners to prioritize the installation of basic firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and to ensure that emergency contact numbers for the fire service are prominently displayed and easily accessible. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as the GNFS continues its assessment of the site to determine the exact origin of the spark that triggered the destruction.

Funeral Arrangements Announced for Mrs. Evelyn Naa-Otua Addo and Madam Comfort Naana Owusu
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Funeral Arrangements Announced for Mrs. Evelyn Naa-Otua Addo and Madam Comfort Naana Owusu

Families across Ghana are preparing to bid farewell to two cherished matriarchs, Mrs. Evelyn Naa-Otua Addo and Madam Comfort Naana Owusu, whose final rites have been scheduled for late August 2026. These announcements mark a period of mourning and celebration of life for the respective families, as they invite the community to join in honoring the legacies of a beloved great-grandmother and a dedicated community member. The transition of these two women represents a significant moment of reflection for their families and the religious communities they served. The transition of Mrs. Evelyn Naa-Otua Addo will be commemorated with a series of services at the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Christ Temple East in Teshie. A burial service is slated for Thursday, August 20, 2026, starting at 9:00 am, which will be followed by a private interment. The family has requested that sympathizers and well-wishers wear white for both the burial and the subsequent Thanksgiving service, the latter of which will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 10:00 am at the same venue. Mrs. Addo is remembered as a cornerstone of her family, serving as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In a separate announcement, the family of Madam Comfort Naana Owusu, affectionately known as Misfere, has shared details for her home-going ceremony following her passing on July 26, 2026, at the age of 72. Madam Owusu passed away at the Nar Bita Hospital in Tema, leaving behind a legacy rooted in her community of Ekumfi Adansimaim. Her burial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the St. Paul Methodist Cathedral, followed by final funeral rites and a private interment. The mourning period will conclude with a Thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Attendees are advised to wear black for the Saturday service and a combination of black and white for the Sunday thanksgiving. These upcoming ceremonies provide an opportunity for friends, extended family, and the broader public to pay their final respects to two women who significantly impacted their domestic and local spheres. As preparations conclude, the families of both Mrs. Addo and Madam Owusu have expressed their gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. The services in Teshie and Tema are expected to draw a wide range of mourners, reflecting the deep roots both women established within their respective religious and social circles.

Nigerian Social Media Influencer 'KC Luxury' Arrested in $28 Million Cocaine Trafficking Sting
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Nigerian Social Media Influencer 'KC Luxury' Arrested in $28 Million Cocaine Trafficking Sting

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a prominent social media influencer, Afolabi Kazeem Micheal, popularly known as "KC Luxury," in connection with a massive drug trafficking operation. The arrest followed the seizure of approximately 184.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of nearly $28 million, which was reportedly destined for the United Kingdom. This high-profile bust marks a significant blow to international drug cartels using West African corridors as transit points for narcotics coming from South America. Afolabi was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos while attempting to board a flight to Paris. During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered over $12,840 in cash along with several high-end luxury items from the suspect. The NDLEA has identified Micheal as a suspected kingpin of a sophisticated cartel specialized in moving illicit substances across continents. Another individual, Lawal Mujab Kehinde, was also taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the network’s activities. The investigation reveals a complex logistical chain where cocaine was sourced from South America and moved through Nigeria before being shipped to European markets. Authorities believe the cartel utilized Micheal’s public persona and lifestyle to mask the illicit origins of his wealth and facilitate the movement of funds. The seizure of nearly 185kg of cocaine just days before his arrest provided the critical evidence needed to link the social media figure to the trafficking ring. As the NDLEA continues its crackdown on organized crime, officials have indicated that further arrests are expected. The agency is currently working with international law enforcement partners to dismantle the remainder of the syndicate's infrastructure. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny on high-profile social media figures whose ostentatious lifestyles may serve as a front for criminal enterprises, and it reinforces the commitment of regional authorities to curb the global drug trade.