US$6.4m worth of cocaine busted at Kotoka; 2 British citizens arrested

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana, in collaboration with the UK National Crime Agency, has intercepted a significant haul of cocaine at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The operation, conducted on Monday, 10 June 2024, resulted in the seizure of 166.88 kg of substances suspected to be cocaine, valued at approximately $6,480,000.

The illicit substances were found in the luggage of two British nationals, Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were set to depart on a British Airways flight to Gatwick.

Each individual had checked in three bags, all containing the suspected cocaine, amounting to 72 slabs in total.

The breakdown of the seizures revealed that each suspect's luggage contained 83.44 kg of the substance, along with their personal belongings. Following the discovery, both individuals were arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.

NACOC issued a statement underscoring its vigilance and commitment to traveller safety, highlighting its readiness to combat drug-related threats at flight terminals.

Full NACOC Statement:

NACOC IMPOUNDS 166.88 KG OF COCAINE; TWO ARRESTED

On Monday, 10 June 2024, an intelligence-led operation by officers of the Narcotics Control Commission and the UK National Crime Agency led to the interception of 166.88 kg of substances suspected to be cocaine from the luggage of two British national passengers. The street value of the substance is estimated at $6,480,000.

The British passengers, Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, were scheduled to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick.

The suspects had checked in three bags each, all found to contain 72 slabs of the suspected cocaine. The luggage of both individuals contained a total of 83.44 kg of suspected cocaine, along with their personal items. The two individuals have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.

This operation underscores NACOC's alertness and commitment to ensuring the safety of travellers and its preparedness to address threats related to drug possession at flight terminals, regardless of nationality.