NACOC arrests two foreign nationals over 46.7kg cocaine seizure in Beirut

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested two foreign nationals in Accra in connection with the seizure of 46.7 kg of cocaine at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon. The suspects, a Syrian and a Lebanese national, were apprehended on November 3 following a collaborative intelligence-led operation between Ghanaian and Lebanese authorities. While a third suspect, a Tunisian national, was initially detained for questioning, they have since been released. The arrests are part of a broader effort to dismantle an international drug trafficking syndicate operating between West Africa and the Middle East.

The investigation began on October 31 when Lebanese Customs intercepted a Syrian national arriving from Accra with the cocaine concealed in their luggage. This discovery led to a "controlled delivery" operation, allowing security agencies to track the movement of the narcotics and identify potential accomplices. NACOC subsequently carried out separate operations across Accra to secure the suspects currently in custody. The identities of the individuals are being withheld as officials continue to prepare formal charges and conduct further investigations into the supply chain.

Julius Kwame Anthony, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of the Interior, highlighted the importance of these international collaborations in neutralizing sophisticated criminal networks. Speaking on the matter, he emphasized that Ghana’s strategy focuses on dismantling entire cartels rather than focusing solely on isolated local arrests. He noted that the ongoing cooperation with Lebanese security agencies is a testament to the government's commitment to global anti-narcotics efforts, referencing previous successful joint operations as a model for future enforcement.

Security agencies are now working to uncover the full extent of the syndicate's operations within Ghana and determine how the illicit cargo bypassed airport security in Accra. The two suspects remain in the custody of NACOC as the commission seeks to identify other members of the network. This case underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking through regional transit points and the critical role of cross-border intelligence sharing in curbing the illegal trade.