The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested Lincoln Nii Okaija, the prime suspect linked to the seizure of 738 compressed parcels of suspected cannabis at Swissport, Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Okaija was apprehended at the Aflao border while attempting to flee the country to Togo en route to France. His arrest follows days of intense surveillance and manhunt by NACOC operatives.
Authorities say the suspect played a central role in the botched smuggling attempt and will face prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s narcotics laws.
“The Commission appreciates all who assisted and continue to support NACOC in its operations against illicit drug trafficking,” a statement issued on August 12 indicated.
In another development, NACOC on July 29 handed over 17 gold bars, valued at $1.7 million, to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
The handing over ceremony took place at the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.
The gold bars were seized by officers of the Upper East Command of the Narcotics Control Commission at the Paga Border Post from two Burkinabe nationals who were attempting to smuggle them out of the country.
The two Burkinabes were also charged with offences relating to transportation and dealing in gold.
Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, assured the management of GoldBod of the Ministry’s continued support and backing for GoldBod’s efforts to manage Ghana’s gold resources.
The Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, expressed gratitude to the Director-General of NACOC for the successful handover and called for continued support and collaboration between various security agencies to enable them to succeed.
The handing over ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Annan, Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and other senior officials from NACOC and GoldBod.
