British National, Customs Officer, and Airport Porter Arrested at Kotoka for Smuggling 53.6kg of Cannabis

In a major operation at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) arrested a British national attempting to smuggle 53.6 kilograms of cannabis into Ghana. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, arrived in Accra on Sunday, May 19, 2025, aboard Emirates flight EK 787 from Thailand, transiting through Dubai. 

During a routine inspection, NACOC officials discovered two suitcases containing 92 parcels of a substance suspected to be cannabis. Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance as cannabis, with a total weight of 53.60 kilograms. 

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be accomplices of the foreign national. The individuals, a customs officer and a porter assigned to the Commercially Important Person (CIP) section of the airport, allegedly facilitated the attempted smuggling operation by easing the passage of the illicit cargo through security. 

All three suspects are currently in custody and assisting NACOC with ongoing investigations, which authorities believe may uncover links to a larger international drug trafficking syndicate. 

This incident underscores the growing concern over drug trafficking through West African transit points and highlights the need for increased vigilance and international cooperation to combat such illicit activities.