Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has apprehended Lincoln Nii Okaija, the prime suspect behind a foiled attempt to smuggle 738 parcels of suspected cannabis through Kotoka International Airport.
Okaija was arrested at the Aflao border while fleeing to Togo en route to France, ending a days-long manhunt.
Authorities confirmed Okaija played a central role in the smuggling operation intercepted at Swissport cargo facilities. He now faces prosecution under Ghana’s strict narcotics laws. NACOC publicly thanked collaborators in a statement, emphasizing ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Separate Gold Bust
In a related crackdown, NACOC last month handed over 17 smuggled gold bars worth $1.7 million to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The bars were seized at the Paga Border Post from two Burkinabe nationals attempting illegal export. Both face charges for unlawful gold transportation.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak pledged continued state support for GoldBod’s resource protection efforts. GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi praised NACOC’s vigilance, urging deeper inter-agency collaboration to secure Ghana’s mineral wealth.
The handover ceremony united senior officials from NACOC, GoldBod, and the Interior Ministry, signaling strengthened resolve against transnational smuggling networks. As Ghana tightens border security, one question lingers: How many more high-value interdictions lie ahead?
