$6.48m cocaine seized
-2 UK national in the drug trade arrested
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in collaboration with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom (UK) has intercepted 166.88kg of substance suspected to be cocaine at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $6.48 million.
Cocaine is not produced in Ghana but drug barons have been arrested on numerous occasions attempting to export it from the country.
How these drug dealers import cocaine into the country has been a source of worry since it tarnishes the image of Ghana.
The seizure on Monday June 10, 2024, was made from the luggage of two British nationals travelling together.
Both individuals have been arrested and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The contraband was discovered in the luggage of two British nationals, Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were both passengers on a British Airways flight bound for Gatwick in the UK.
The drugs were concealed in six checked-in bags, with each passenger carrying three bags.
Each bag contained 24 parcels, totaling 83.44kg of the suspected cocaine per passenger.
The breakdown of 83.44kg of the suspected cocaine in three bags of Hall Shamin Ethline’s included Bag 734134 containing 24 parcels weighing 27.86kg, Bag 733951 containing 24 parcels weighing 27.76kg, and Bag 734041 containing 24 parcels weighing 27.82kg.
Graham Omar Adel’s luggage included Bag 734504 containing 24 parcels weighing 27.90kg, Bag 734590 containing 24 parcels weighing 27.96kg, and Bag 734664 containing 24 parcels weighing 27.58kg, also totalling 83.44kg of the suspected cocaine.
The NACOC’s swift action underscores its commitment to combating drug trafficking through Ghana’s borders.
A NACOC spokesperson commended the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism, stating, “This operation reflects our unwavering dedication to intercepting illegal drugs and bringing traffickers to justice. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our nation from the dangers of narcotics.”
The successful interception at KIA was the result of collaborative intelligence gathering and operational planning among state security and intelligence agencies.
NACOC has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking while it continues to enhance its security measures at all entry points to prevent the infiltration of illicit substances into the country. As investigations continue, NACOC has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that Ghana remains a hostile environment for drug traffickers.
