Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has confirmed the arrest of a Syrian national at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport in Lebanon. The suspect was apprehended on October 31, 2026, with approximately 40 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine. The seizure was made by Lebanese Customs officials, who found the illicit substance concealed in two pieces of luggage. The suspect had arrived in Beirut from Accra.
The arrest was part of a coordinated international anti-narcotics operation involving law enforcement agencies in Ghana and Lebanon. NACOC disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and track down other individuals suspected of collaborating with the arrested traveller in Ghana. The Commission is working to uncover local connections behind the attempted shipment and dismantle the criminal network.
NACOC's statement, released on November 1, 2026, revealed that the operation was a controlled delivery exercise undertaken through close collaboration between Ghanaian and Lebanese drug enforcement authorities. The joint exercise aimed to apprehend the individual transporting the consignment and identify other suspected participants operating along the drug trafficking chain.
The successful interception provided investigators with critical intelligence about the wider transnational criminal organisation allegedly responsible for arranging and facilitating the shipment. NACOC emphasised the significance of international partnerships, operational coordination, and timely intelligence exchange in confronting cross-border illicit drug trafficking.
Ghana has reiterated its determination to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon and other international law enforcement partners to identify trafficking networks and disrupt the movement of prohibited narcotic substances. The Commission maintained that sustained collaboration between countries is essential to addressing organised drug trafficking.
The arrested suspect's two pieces of luggage contained the concealed suspected cocaine. NACOC and Lebanese authorities worked together to gather intelligence and track the shipment. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
The incident highlights the growing concern over Ghana's involvement in international drug trafficking. NACOC's efforts to combat the issue have led to increased cooperation with international partners. Key aspects of the operation included close collaboration between authorities and intelligence exchange.
Key points
- A Syrian national was arrested with 40kg of suspected cocaine at Beirut's international airport.
- The arrest was part of a coordinated international anti-narcotics operation involving Ghana and Lebanon.
- Investigations are ongoing to identify and track down other individuals suspected of collaborating with the arrested traveller.
