The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana has launched an operation to apprehend suspected accomplices in Ghana following the arrest of a Syrian national at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport in Lebanon. The suspect was caught on October 31, 2026, with approximately 40 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine concealed in two pieces of luggage. The drugs were shipped through the Accra International Airport.
According to a statement issued by NACOC on November 1, 2026, the operation was a result of close cooperation between Ghanaian and Lebanese drug law enforcement authorities. The exercise was designed to identify and apprehend persons involved at both ends of the drug supply chain and gather intelligence to dismantle the wider international criminal network behind the shipment.
The successful apprehension was a result of a coordinated controlled delivery exercise. NACOC's Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, Francis Opoku Amoah, signed the statement confirming the ongoing operation in Ghana to arrest the accomplices. The Commission emphasized that the exercise was part of joint efforts by Ghana and Lebanon to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating across national borders.
The Lebanese Customs had reported that the suspect used insulation techniques designed to evade detection by scanning equipment. The techniques were employed to conceal the 40kg of cocaine in the luggage. The arrest and seizure reflect the cooperation between Ghanaian and Lebanese law enforcement authorities in tackling international drug trafficking through the exchange of intelligence.
NACOC's operation demonstrates the country's commitment to fighting international drug trafficking. The Commission's efforts, in collaboration with international partners, aim to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks. The identified suspect was a Syrian national, and further details about the accomplices in Ghana have not been disclosed.
The Accra International Airport has been a significant transit point for international drug trafficking. The airport's strategic location makes it a critical hub for traffickers. The Ghanaian authorities have been working to strengthen security measures at the airport to prevent such incidents.
The case highlights the need for continued cooperation between countries to combat international drug trafficking. Ghana and Lebanon have demonstrated their commitment to working together to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks. The NACOC operation will continue to pursue and apprehend the suspected accomplices in Ghana.
Key points
- The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana is pursuing suspected accomplices in Ghana following the arrest of a Syrian national with 40kg of cocaine shipped through Accra Airport.
