NACOC busts US$6.4m worth of cocaine at KIA, arrests 2 British citizens

File photo: The street value of the seized substance is estimated at $6,480,000

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana, in collaboration with the UK National Crime Agency, has intercepted a massive haul of cocaine at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The operation, which took place on Monday, June 10, 2024, led to the seizure of 166.88kg of substances suspected to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of $6,480,000.

NACOC in a statement said the contraband was discovered in the luggage of two British nationals, identified as Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, who were scheduled to depart on a British Airways flight to Gatwick.

Each suspect had checked in three bags, all of which contained the illicit substance, amounting to 72 slabs of suspected cocaine.

The breakdown of the seizures is as follows: Hall Shamin Ethline’s luggage contained 83.44kg of the suspected drug, along with personal items, while Graham Omar Adel’s luggage also held an identical weight of 83.44kg of the substance, accompanied by personal belongings.

Following the discovery, both individuals were arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.

According to NACOC, the operation underscores its vigilance and unbiased commitment to ensuring the safety of travellers and its readiness to address threats related to drug possession 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.