By Francis Kobena Tandoh
A total of ten (10) individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), are currently being held as investigations continue into recent cases of drug trafficking through Ghana’s ports, according to the presidency on Thursday.
The development was disclosed following an urgent meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and the country’s security chiefs at the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
According to the Presidency, the President was briefed on the progress of investigations and measures being taken to strengthen systems for detecting and preventing the movement of narcotics through Ghana’s ports and borders.
The identities of those in custody have not been disclosed, and authorities have not indicated that charges have been filed against them. The investigations remain ongoing.
Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the six other persons in custody are assisting with investigations, while the four Customs officers are being investigated because they handled the container in which the illicit substance was found. He stressed that due process would be followed.
The latest investigations follow the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs officials at the port of Dunkirk. The cocaine was concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana.
President Mahama has consequently directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop a comprehensive roadmap to prevent narcotics trafficking through Ghana’s borders. The task force has been given two weeks to submit its recommendations. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
