Eight suspects, including four Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials, have appeared before the Kwabenya Circuit Court in Accra after authorities intercepted the 3.9-tonne cocaine export from Ghana at Tema Port before it was sent to Europe.
The cocaine, worth about €225 million ($261 million), was hidden inside four 40-foot containers declared as carrying plastic waste and PET flakes. The seizure has raised concerns about security checks, customs procedures and oversight at Tema Port.
According to court documents, the four containers were scanned before leaving Ghana. The scans reportedly showed unusual signs that should have led to a physical inspection. However, customs officers cleared the containers, allowing them to be shipped to Dunkirk, France, with some of the cargo reportedly destined for Antwerp, Belgium.
3.9-tonne cocaine export from Ghana
French customs officers later stopped the shipment at Dunkirk and found thousands of blocks of cocaine hidden under layers of plastic waste.
Investigators identified several alleged problems with Ghana’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS): Customs officers reportedly noticed unusual scan results but did not order physical inspections. One suspect allegedly gave his ICUMS login details to other people to review scan images. The containers were reportedly declared as carrying low-value recycled PET flakes
The court denied bail to the main accused persons and ordered that they remain in custody while investigations continue. They face charges under Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission Act, including conspiracy to export narcotics, illegal export of narcotic drugs and aiding a crime.
Among those remanded are Francis Narh Amanor, Managing Director of Fresna Commodities Ltd and owner of F&F Logistics, and businessman Frank Adu-Boahen. Adu-Boahen was arrested at a hideout in Community 19, Tema. Prosecutors allege that he admitted owning the cargo and loading the containers at a warehouse in Community 12, Tema.
The Kwabenya Circuit Court adjourned the case to September 24, giving investigators more time to trace the wider network behind the alleged 3.9-tonne cocaine export from Ghana.
The major drug seizure has raised concerns across Ghana about security weaknesses at major ports. Some commentators, civil society groups and legal experts are questioning whether the suspects in court are the main people behind the shipment or only part of a larger network.
Click here for more news
