Four suspects linked to the recent cocaine smuggling attempt at the Swissport terminal of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have each been granted bail set at GHC13 million, totaling GHC52 million, with four sureties apiece.
The accused—Gariba Soli, an artefact dealer, and freight forwarders Josiah Baidoo, Emmanuel Mintah, and Kwabena Ampfo Anti—were apprehended in connection with an alleged attempt to illegally export 73 slabs of cocaine hidden in boxes marked as artefacts.
As part of their bail conditions, the suspects must report to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) twice weekly. They have also been placed on a no-fly list, with their biodata submitted to the Passport Office to block any attempt to obtain new travel documents.
The accused face multiple charges, including unlawful possession and attempted export of narcotics, and conspiracy to commit a crime. NACOC officials reportedly discovered the drugs during a routine inspection at Swissport, where the boxes were flagged and later tested positive for cocaine.
During questioning, Soli stated that he was hired by a man known only as “Kevin” to ship artefacts to the Netherlands and claimed he had no knowledge of the drugs concealed in the shipment.
