A significant attempt to traffic drugs was foiled at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) working with the UK National Crime Agency.
On Monday, June 10, 2024, authorities acting on information seized 166.88 kg of suspected cocaine from the bags of two British travellers who were travelling together.
A NACOC statement states that the drugs that were taken into custody had an estimated street value of $6.48 million.
The statement named the inmates as Graham Omar Adel and Hall Shamin Ethline.
When suspicions were raised about their luggage, both were due to board a British Airways flight that was headed for Gatwick. After more examination, it was discovered that each of the six suitcases—three of them—contained a total of 72 slabs of the suspected cocaine.
According to a breakdown of the seizure, Hall Shamin Ethline’s suitcase included personal items in addition to about 83.44 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine.
Along with his personal belongings, Graham Omar Adel’s suitcase also had around 83.44 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine.
After being placed under custody, both people are now cooperating with the investigations.
Read the entire statement 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:.
The luggage of Hall Shamin Ethline contained a total of 83.44 kg of suspected cocaine, along with her personal items.
The 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.