By Francis Kobena Tandoh
A Syrian national has been arrested in Beirut, Lebanon, with 46.7 kg of substances suspected to be cocaine, following his arrival from the Accra International Airport (AIA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), on Sunday.
The Syrian passenger, identified by initials B.H., flying from Accra on Middle East Airlines flight MEA 576, was arrested at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut after authorities found 46.7 kg (or ~40 kg) of concealed cocaine in his luggage.
According to the statement signed by acting director of public affairs and international relations, PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, the arrest follows collaboration between Ghanaian and Lebanese drug enforcement agencies.
“The Narcotics Control Commission confirms the arrest of a Syrian national on Oct. 31 at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, following his arrival from Ghana, with approximately 40 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in two pieces of luggage,” read the statement.
NACOC announced that as part of an ongoing investigation, it is working to arrest the accomplices of the suspect in Ghana.
The statement added, “This operation underscores Ghana and Lebanon’s collaborative commitment to disrupting international drug trafficking networks through cross-border intelligence-sharing.”
The incident has triggered fresh investigations in Ghana regarding how the consignment passed through airport security, with reports noting allegations involving customs/security vehicles or staff.
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian government has intensified security measures at the Accra International Airport, which has led to the arrest of high-profile drug syndicates. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) below;
