A lead suspect has been arrested in Ghana in relation to the export of 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine from Ghana to Australia, which was concealed in bags of charcoal, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has disclosed.
According to NACOC, the arrest of the lead suspect in Ghana follows three months of intelligence-led investigation into a drug trafficking network linked to the seizure.
The arrest forms part of ongoing investigations into the shipment, which was concealed in bags of charcoal exported from Ghana.
The Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the suspect was arrested after a three-month intelligence operation involving NACOC, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and other national security agencies.
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He said officers involved in the operation spent about three months working away from their homes and conducted surveillance over several days leading to the arrest.
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Brig. Gen. Mantey made this known at the commission’s annual drug destruction exercise in Accra on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
He said the operation was ongoing and indicated that additional arrests were expected later in the day.
“This afternoon, we will be picking more,” he said, adding that persons linked to the network would be pursued regardless of their position or institutional affiliation.
He did not provide the name, nationality or other identifying details of the suspect.
The arrest follows the interception of about 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine by Australian authorities, which was concealed in shipping containers declared as bags of charcoal from Ghana.
Three people have been charged in Australia in connection with the case, including a British woman, Emaa Hussen, 34, and an Australian couple who appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court in May and were remanded into custody until September 2026.
On June 19, 2026, NACOC confirmed the seizure and said it was working with local security agencies and international partners to identify and arrest those involved on the Ghana side of the operation.
NACOC investigates 320kg meth seizure in charcoal shipment to Australia
Brig. Gen. Mantey said NACOC would continue to pursue individuals involved in drug trafficking within and outside the country.
“Wherever we are, we get information,” he said. “It is only God and the courts that can free you.”
He added that membership of any security agency would not protect anyone implicated in drug-related offences.
“You are a member of the security agency wherever you come from,” he said. “If your name is mentioned, we suspect anything based on our intelligence. Rest assured, action will follow.”
NACOC said more than 9.6 tonnes of seized narcotic drugs were destroyed at the same event following a court-authorised disposal process.
The Commission said samples were tested by the Ghana Standards Authority before and after court approval, as part of a two-stage verification process.
Brig. Gen. Mantey said the process prevented any substitution or tampering of exhibits.
He also said NACOC had stepped up public education efforts, including a recent national seminar on guidance and counselling for teachers attended by 69 participants.
He urged the public, particularly young people, to avoid illegal drugs and encouraged continued media education on drug abuse.
