Fresh South Africa drug arrest puts Ghana’s border controls under scrutiny

Ghana is facing renewed scrutiny over suspected international drug trafficking following the arrest of a 52-year-old South African national who arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport from Accra with substances suspected to be cocaine.

The arrest, which involved an intelligence-led operation by South African law enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of suspected narcotics with an estimated local street value of R2 million, equivalent to GH¢1,416,545.18.

The latest incident is the third major drug-related arrest involving persons who reportedly travelled from Ghana to their respective destinations, raising concerns about the possible impact on Ghana’s reputation and the scrutiny faced by passengers travelling from the country.

The development has also renewed calls for government to take stronger measures to prevent Ghana from being used as a route for international narcotics trafficking.

In June this year, a British actress and an Australian couple were arrested and put before court over allegations that they attempted to smuggle 320kg of methamphetamine from Ghana into Australia. The shipment was estimated to be worth A$296 million ($208 million).

A month later, French customs officers at the port of Dunkirk seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at more than US$260 million, concealed in a container of plastic waste that had departed from Ghana.

The incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Ghana’s border and customs controls, with questions being raised about possible insider complicity.

Following the drug seizures in France and Australia, President John Mahama directed an inter-agency task force to develop measures within two weeks to prevent the trafficking of narcotic drugs through Ghana’s borders.

GH¢1.4m South Africa bust
The latest arrest took place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a coordinated operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA).

“The 52-year-old South African national had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when police intercepted him at the airport on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

A search of the suspect’s luggage led police to uncover bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin,” a police statement read.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges.

“The South African Police Service continues to intensify its efforts to dismantle and dislodge drug trafficking syndicates through ongoing intelligence-led and targeted operations,” the statement read.

$208m Australia bust
The Australian case involved British actress Emaa Hussen and an Australian couple, who were arrested and put before court over allegations that they attempted to import 320kg of methamphetamine from Ghana into Australia.

The BBC reported that Hussen, 34, appeared before a Sydney court after being charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Australia. She faces up to life imprisonment if convicted.

She was remanded in custody after the court earlier refused her bail application.

Police allege that Hussen and the South Australian couple attempted to import the methamphetamine hidden in bags of charcoal contained in shipping containers sent from Ghana.

According to the report, Australian authorities began investigating the shipment in April after border officials detected anomalies in two containers that had arrived at Sydney’s Port Botany from Ghana.

An X-ray examination reportedly revealed a “white crystalised substance” among the contents declared as bags of charcoal. Subsequent testing confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine.

Police subsequently removed the drugs from the shipment before it was delivered to a storage facility in Girraween in Sydney’s western suburbs, the report said.

US$260m French bust
In the French case, four persons linked to the seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at €225 million ($260 million), have been remanded into custody by a High Court in Accra.

The arrests have been linked to the activities of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos” in Ghana.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), following the arrest of three of the suspects on September 14, said the action formed part of efforts to disrupt international drug-trafficking organisations operating in or through Ghana.

The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Ghana from becoming a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations.

Oti drug interception
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has intercepted 5,164 compressed round parcels suspected to contain narcotic substances concealed in a compartment of a DAF articulator truck in the Oti Region.

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the consignment. They are Abdul Razak Adamu, 35, the driver; Jubril Amidu, 33, a mechanic; and Aliu Adamu, 33, also a driver.

A fourth occupant of the truck, identified as Adamu Iddi, reportedly escaped.

The three arrested suspects were arraigned before the Dambai Circuit Court and remanded into police custody. They are expected to reappear on October 15, 2026.

The truck has been impounded, while the suspected narcotics and other exhibits have been secured to support investigations.

The police are also pursuing efforts to apprehend the escaped suspect and establish the identities of other persons who may be connected to the consignment.

-DGN online