A British citizen is in custody after being arrested at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Sunday, May 18, 2025, for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cannabis into Ghana. The arrest, which forms part of ongoing efforts by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to clamp down on drug trafficking, also led to the detention of two alleged accomplices — both Ghanaian airport workers.
According to a deep throat from NACOC, the suspect arrived at the airport onboard Emirates flight EK 787, which originated from Thailand and made a stopover in Dubai before landing in Accra. During routine screening procedures at the arrival terminal, security officials flagged the traveler’s luggage for further checks.
A thorough inspection led to the discovery of two suitcases filled with 92 compressed packages suspected to be cannabis. Field testing confirmed the substance was cannabis, with the total weight estimated at 53.60 kilograms.
Subsequent investigations at the airport premises uncovered the involvement of two local collaborators — a customs officer and a porter assigned to the Commercially Important Person (CIP) section.
The two are believed to have attempted to assist the foreign national in moving the illicit cargo through airport security undetected.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the CIP area was used as a potential smuggling route due to its enhanced clearance protocols and limited scrutiny.
The involvement of airport personnel has raised serious concerns about internal collusion in drug trafficking operations.
All three suspects are currently in NACOC custody and are assisting with further investigations. They are expected to be arraigned before court once the Commission concludes its probe.
