The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in collaboration with the UK National Crime Agency, intercepted a significant haul of cocaine at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
On Monday, June 10, 2024, an operation led to the seizure of 166.88kg of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $6,480,000 on the street.
In a statement, NACOC revealed that the contraband was 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.
Both suspects had checked in three bags each, all containing the illicit substance, totaling 72 slabs of suspected cocaine.
The seizures were as follows: Hall Shamin Ethline’s luggage contained 83.44kg of the suspected drug, along with personal items, while Graham Omar Adel’s luggage held an identical weight of 83.44kg of the substance, also accompanied by personal belongings.
Both individuals were arrested following the discovery and are currently assisting with investigations.
NACOC emphasized that this operation highlights their vigilance and commitment to ensuring the safety of travelers and their readiness to tackle 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 166.88kg 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.