Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana, in partnership with the UK National Crime Agency, intercepted a significant cocaine shipment at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 166.88 kg of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $6,480,000.
NACOC’s statement revealed that the contraband was found in the luggage of two British nationals, Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were preparing to board a British Airways flight to Gatwick.
Each suspect had checked in three bags containing a total of 72 slabs of the suspected drug.
Hall Shamin Ethline’s luggage held 83.44 kg of the substance, alongside personal items, while Graham Omar Adel’s bags contained an identical amount, also with personal belongings.
Following the discovery, both individuals were arrested and are currently aiding in the investigation.
NACOC emphasised that this operation highlights their vigilance and commitment to ensuring traveller safety and addressing drug-related threats at flight terminals.
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 166.88 kg 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—three 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 83.44 kg of suspected cocaine, along with her personal items.
Luggage of Graham Omar Adel contained a total of 83.44 kg 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.