• Cocaine Hidden in Gari at Kotoka Airport Sparks Questions About Export Screening
• Senior Company Manager Arrested After Cocaine Discovered in Packaged Gari at KIA
• Everyday Food Product Used to Conceal Cocaine in Failed Airport Smuggling Attempt
In a striking example of how creative — and dangerous — smuggling operations can become, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intercepted a shipment of cocaine hidden inside packaged gari at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
This incident goes beyond a routine drug bust. It highlights the evolving tactics of traffickers, the alertness of security agencies, and the continuing battle to secure Ghana’s main international gateway from illicit trade.
Gari — a staple food made from dried, grated cassava — is common in many West African households. Its ordinary nature makes it an unlikely suspect in criminal activity, which is precisely why it can be used as a cover. In this case, traffickers allegedly concealed cocaine within sealed gari packages, possibly hoping the everyday product would avoid suspicion during inspection.
However, the attempt was unsuccessful.
Acting on intelligence, NACOC officials intercepted the shipment at Kotoka International Airport before it could be transported further. The operation led to the arrest of a senior manager of a manufacturing company who is believed to be connected to the attempted export. Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional individuals or networks were involved.
The interception underscores the complex methods increasingly used in drug trafficking operations. Smugglers frequently disguise illegal substances within ordinary commercial goods to evade detection. With airports processing large volumes of cargo and passenger luggage daily, enforcement agencies must combine technology, experience, and intelligence to identify suspicious consignments.
Kotoka International Airport remains a strategic transit point in the sub-region, making it a frequent target for trafficking attempts. Each successful interception demonstrates both the persistence of criminal networks and the vigilance of Ghana’s narcotics authorities.
As investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder that drug trafficking remains a serious transnational issue. It also reinforces the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and strict monitoring systems to prevent Ghana from being used as a conduit for the global narcotics trade.
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