The National Anti-Crime and Corruption Organisation (NACOC) of Ghana has revealed that the recent arrests of suspects linked to a major cocaine trafficking network were the result of an intelligence-led operation. According to NACOC's Acting Director of Public Affairs, Francis Opoku Amoah, some of the suspects had been under surveillance for some time. The operation was coordinated to ensure that multiple individuals connected to the network could be apprehended simultaneously.
The arrests are connected to a large cocaine seizure made by French customs on September 10, 2026, at the port of Dunkirk. The consignment, worth approximately €225 million, consisted of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana. NACOC's investigation has revealed connections between the suspects and Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, also known as "Bolle Jos", who remains at large.
Opoku Amoah explained that the decision to act on the intelligence gathered was based on careful consideration. Investigators had to process the information before determining the optimal time to make arrests. The goal was to apprehend all connected individuals at the same time, if possible, to maximize the impact of the operation.
Four Ghanaian suspects have been charged and remanded by the High Court in Accra. They are Desmond Koranteng Curiel, alias "Paul Kweku Yeboah" or "Biggs"; Musah Attah, alias "Kromo"; Kweku Otchere; and Jessica Hartog. They are expected to reappear on October 13, 2026. A fifth accused, Jos Leijdekkers, is said to be at large.
The accused persons face charges including conspiracy to export narcotic drugs without a licence and exportation of narcotic drugs. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. NACOC has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered.
Opoku Amoah emphasized that the drug trade is a transnational organised crime, involving interconnected networks and linkages. He indicated that further arrests remain possible as investigators follow the evidence. The Commission is working to uncover the wider network and disrupt its operations.
The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in disrupting major crime networks. NACOC's efforts, in collaboration with international partners, have resulted in significant seizures and arrests. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating transnational organised crime and the importance of continued cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Key points
- The arrests were the result of an intelligence-led operation by NACOC.
- The suspects are linked to Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers and a major cocaine trafficking network.
- Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests possible.
