In a joint operation between the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the UK National Crime Agency, a significant drug trafficking endeavor was intercepted at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.
Acting on intelligence, law enforcement officers seized a total of 166.88 kilograms of suspected cocaine from the baggage of two British passengers traveling in tandem on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The confiscated narcotics, with an estimated street value of $6.48 million, were concealed within the luggage of Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel, both destined for a British Airways flight bound for Gatwick.
Each of the detainees’ suitcases, totaling six in all, contained 72 slabs of the suspected cocaine, prompting suspicion during routine screening procedures.
Further examination revealed that Hall Shamin Ethline and Graham Omar Adel were in possession of approximately 83.44 kilograms of suspected cocaine each, alongside their personal effects.
Currently under arrest, both individuals are cooperating with authorities as investigations continue into the thwarted smuggling attempt.
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 166.88kg 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.
