The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana, together with the UK National Crime Agency, has intercepted a large amount of cocaine at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The operation happened on Monday, June 10, 2024, resulting in the confiscation of 166.88kg of substances suspected to be cocaine, worth approximately $6,480,000.
In a statement, NACOC revealed that the illegal drugs were found in the luggage of two British citizens, Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were about to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick.
Each suspect had three bags, all containing suspected cocaine, totalling 72 slabs of the substance.
The breakdown of the seizures is as follows: Hall Shamin Ethline had 83.44kg of the suspected drug in their luggage, alongside personal items, while Graham Omar Adel’s luggage also contained 83.44kg of the substance, along with personal belongings.
Following the discovery, both individuals were arrested and are currently helping with investigations.
NACOC highlighted that the operation demonstrates its vigilance and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of travellers and addressing drug-related threats at airports.
Read the full statement by NACOC below:
NACOC IMPOUND 166.88KG OF COCAINE; TWO ARRESTED
On Monday, June 10, 2024, an intelligence-led operation by Officers of the Narcotics Control Commission and the UK National Crime Agency, led to the interception of a total of 166.88kg of substances suspected to be cocaine from the luggage of two British National passengers who were travelling together. The substance is estimated to have a street value of $6,480,000. The British passengers are Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel.
The suspects were scheduled to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick, and checked in their luggage—3 bags each, which were all found to contain 72 slabs of the suspected cocaine.
A breakdown of the seizures made is as follows.
Luggage of Hall Shamin Ethline contained a total of 83.44KG of suspected cocaine, along with her personal items.
Luggage of Graham Omar Adel contained a total of 83.44KG of suspected cocaine, along with his personal items.
The two have accordingly been arrested, assisting investigations.
The busting of the suspected criminals reinforces the alertness of the NACOC without bias over nationality, signalling their commitment to the safety of travellers and preparedness to combat flight terminal threats relating to the possession of drugs.
GA/SARA