British Airways passenger caught with cannabis at Kotoka International Airport

Key Takeaways

• A British Airways passenger arrested May 19, 2025 at Kotoka Airport for 17.72 kg cannabis valued at $232,000.
• Another British national arrested May 18 with 53.6 kg cannabis; two accomplices, including a customs officer, detained.
• Kotoka Airport strengthened security with advanced luggage checks focusing on flights to Europe and Asia.

A British Airways passenger was arrested at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, on May 19, 2025, after authorities discovered 32 compressed slabs of cannabis in her luggage. The drugs weighed a total of 17.72 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $232,000. The arrest took place as the woman, a British national, was preparing to board British Airways flight BA 2066 to Gatwick in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) led the operation, which is part of a wider crackdown on drug trafficking through West Africa.

This incident is the second major drug bust involving British nationals at Kotoka International Airport within just 24 hours. On May 18, 2025, another British national was arrested after arriving from Thailand via Dubai on Emirates flight EK 787. In that case, authorities seized 92 slabs of cannabis weighing 53.6 kilograms. Two accomplices—a Customs Officer and an airport porter—were also arrested. These back-to-back arrests have prompted Ghanaian authorities to intensify security and inspection procedures at the airport, especially for flights bound for Europe and Asia.

Details of the Arrest and Immediate Response

The British Airways passenger was stopped during routine and intelligence-led screening at Kotoka International Airport. Security officers detected suspicious items in her luggage and conducted a field test, which confirmed the presence of cannabis. The woman was immediately detained and transferred to NACOC headquarters for further investigation. As of May 25, 2025, she remains in NACOC custody, and no formal charges or court dates have been announced.

NACOC officials are now investigating whether the suspect is connected to a larger international drug smuggling network. The agency is also reviewing recent security breaches and working closely with airport security to prevent similar incidents. According to a NACOC spokesperson, “These arrests reflect our strengthened collaboration with airport security and law enforcement agencies. We will continue to pursue traffickers and dismantle the networks that enable this illegal trade.”

Intensified Security and Policy Changes at Kotoka International Airport

Following these high-profile arrests, Kotoka International Airport has increased its surveillance and inspection protocols. Security teams are focusing on outbound flights to Europe and Asia, where most of the recent smuggling attempts have been detected. The airport has introduced more frequent luggage checks, advanced scanning technology, and intelligence-led operations to identify potential traffickers before they board international flights.

NACOC has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and prosecuting all parties involved. The agency has also called for greater cooperation with international partners, especially the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, to track and disrupt cross-border drug smuggling operations. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has a history of working with Ghanaian officials to stop the flow of illegal drugs into Europe.

Ghana’s Drug Laws: Recent Reforms and Ongoing Enforcement

Ghana’s approach to drug policy has changed in recent years. The Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), introduced reforms that focus on alternatives to jail for people caught with small amounts of drugs for personal use. However, the law remains strict when it comes to drug trafficking and supply offenses. Anyone caught smuggling drugs like cannabis faces serious criminal charges, long prison sentences, and the possibility of having their assets seized.

Under the current law, the steps following an arrest for drug trafficking typically include:

1. Detection: Security officers use routine and intelligence-led screening to identify suspicious luggage or behavior.
2. Field Testing: Suspected drugs are tested on-site to confirm their identity.
3. Detention: The suspect is detained and transferred to NACOC headquarters.
4. Investigation: Authorities question the suspect and gather evidence, including looking for links to larger smuggling networks.
5. Prosecution: If enough evidence is found, the case is sent to the Attorney General for prosecution under Ghana’s narcotics laws.
6. Judicial Process: The suspect appears in court, has the right to legal representation, and can appeal any conviction.

For more information on Ghana’s drug laws and the Narcotics Control Commission Act, readers can visit the official NACOC website.

The Growing Trend of Cannabis Smuggling from West Africa

Authorities and experts have noticed a sharp increase in attempts to smuggle cannabis from West Africa to Europe. British nationals are often involved, sometimes working with complex international networks. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the UK’s National Crime Agency reported that cannabis smuggling cases through airports doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year. This trend is putting more pressure on both Ghanaian and UK authorities to step up their efforts to stop the illegal trade.

Ghana has become a key transit point for cannabis and other drugs destined for Europe. Several high-profile seizures have taken place at Kotoka International Airport in recent years. In September 2024, four British men were convicted in the UK for smuggling £4.3 million worth of cannabis from Ghana. These cases show how international drug trafficking networks are using West African airports as gateways to Europe.

Multiple Perspectives: Law Enforcement, Public Health, and Civil Society

Law Enforcement

Ghanaian law enforcement agencies are focused on stopping drug trafficking by increasing surveillance, arresting suspects, and breaking up criminal networks. They believe that strong enforcement is necessary to deter traffickers and protect the country’s reputation as a safe travel hub.

Public Health Advocates

Public health experts support Ghana’s recent move toward less harsh penalties for people caught with small amounts of drugs for personal use. They argue that drug addiction should be treated as a health issue, not just a crime. However, they also agree that trafficking and supply offenses should remain serious crimes, as these activities fuel organized crime and put communities at risk.

Civil Society

Civil society groups in Ghana and abroad are calling for more education about the dangers of drug trafficking, as well as harm reduction programs for people struggling with addiction. They support alternatives to jail for low-level offenders but agree that strong action is needed against organized trafficking networks.

International Cooperation: Ghana and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

The fight against drug trafficking at Kotoka International Airport is not just a local issue. It involves close cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and their counterparts in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. The UK’s National Crime Agency works with NACOC to share intelligence, track suspects, and prosecute traffickers who try to move drugs between the two countries.

This partnership has led to several successful operations and arrests. Both countries are committed to strengthening their cooperation, with more joint investigations and intelligence sharing expected in the future. The British High Commission in Ghana also provides support and information to British nationals who are arrested or detained in Ghana.

Legal Consequences for Drug Trafficking in Ghana

Anyone caught trafficking drugs in Ghana faces serious legal consequences. Under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, trafficking is a criminal offense that can lead to:

• Long prison sentences: Convicted traffickers can spend many years in jail.
• Asset forfeiture: Authorities can seize money, property, and other assets linked to drug crimes.
• Deportation: Foreign nationals convicted of drug trafficking may be deported after serving their sentences.
• Criminal records: A conviction for drug trafficking can make it difficult to travel, find work, or get a visa in the future.

It’s important for travelers to know that Ghana’s drug laws are strictly enforced, especially at international airports. Even small amounts of drugs can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Step-by-Step Procedures After a Drug Arrest

To help readers understand what happens after a drug arrest at Kotoka International Airport, here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Screening: Security officers use scanners and intelligence to check luggage and passengers.
2. Suspicion: If something suspicious is found, officers open the luggage for inspection.
3. Testing: Suspected drugs are tested on the spot to confirm what they are.
4. Detention: The suspect is taken into custody and moved to NACOC headquarters.
5. Investigation: Officers question the suspect, check travel records, and look for links to other traffickers.
6. Legal Process: If there’s enough evidence, the case goes to court. The suspect has the right to a lawyer and a fair trial.
7. Possible Outcomes: If found guilty, the suspect can be jailed, fined, or have assets taken away. If found not guilty, the suspect is released.

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

The recent arrests at Kotoka International Airport have led to several changes and ongoing developments:

• Increased Surveillance: More checks and better technology at the airport to catch traffickers.
• International Cooperation: Stronger ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to stop cross-border drug smuggling.
• Legal Reforms: Continued review of Ghana’s drug laws to balance punishment for traffickers with health-based approaches for users.
• Public Awareness: More education and outreach to warn travelers about the risks of drug trafficking.

NACOC is expected to announce further developments as investigations continue. There may also be more changes to airport security and possible updates to Ghana’s drug laws in the future.

Key Facts Table

What Travelers Should Know

If you are traveling through Kotoka International Airport or any international airport, it’s important to:

• Never carry drugs or suspicious items in your luggage.
• Be aware of the laws in the country you are visiting or passing through.
• Understand that even small amounts of drugs can lead to arrest and prosecution.
• If you are arrested, contact your country’s embassy or high commission for help.

For British nationals in Ghana, the British High Commission in Accra can provide assistance and information.

Contact Information for Help and Reporting

• Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC):
  • Website: www.nacoc.gov.gh
  • Headquarters: Accra, Ghana
  • Hotline: +233 (0) 302 221 723
• British High Commission in Ghana:
  • Website: www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-accra
• National Crime Agency (UK):
  • Website: www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk

Conclusion and Next Steps

The arrest of a British Airways passenger at Kotoka International Airport for attempting to smuggle $232,000 worth of cannabis is part of a larger pattern of drug trafficking through West Africa to Europe. Ghanaian authorities have responded by increasing security, working with international partners, and continuing to enforce strict penalties for traffickers. At the same time, Ghana’s drug laws now offer more support for people caught with small amounts for personal use, showing a shift toward health-based approaches.

Travelers should be aware of the risks and legal consequences of carrying drugs, especially when flying internationally. Authorities in Ghana and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 are expected to continue their close cooperation, with more joint operations and policy updates likely in the future. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the growing trend of cannabis smuggling highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, public education, and strong legal enforcement to protect both travelers and communities.

For the latest updates on Ghana’s drug laws and airport security procedures, visit the official NACOC website. Stay informed, travel safely, and always follow the law to avoid serious consequences.

Learn Today

Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) → Ghanaian agency responsible for enforcing drug laws and investigating narcotics trafficking in the country.
Compressed Slabs → Blocks of cannabis tightly packed for easier transport and concealment during trafficking.
Field Test → On-site chemical testing used by security to quickly confirm the presence of illegal drugs.
Asset Forfeiture → Legal process allowing authorities to seize property connected to criminal drug activities.
International Cooperation → Collaboration between countries for sharing intelligence and prosecuting cross-border drug trafficking.

This Article in a Nutshell

In May 2025, Ghanaian authorities arrested two British nationals at Kotoka Airport for smuggling large amounts of cannabis. These incidents triggered heightened security measures, international cooperation, and ongoing investigations into drug trafficking networks exploiting West African airports as transit points to Europe, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to combating drug crime.
— By VisaVerge.com