The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three suspects over their alleged involvement in the activities of Dutch fugitive drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos”.
The arrests follow the seizure of a major cocaine shipment by French customs, which authorities say is linked to a wider international drug-trafficking network.
According to NACOC, the three suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators as efforts continue to establish their alleged roles in the trafficking operation.
The Commission said the arrests form part of its broader efforts to dismantle international drug-trafficking networks operating in or through Ghana.
“NACOC remains resolute that Ghana will not be a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations,” the Commission said.
It added that it would continue working with both domestic and international law-enforcement agencies to disrupt the individuals, finances and infrastructure supporting the illegal drug trade.
NACOC also stressed that the rights and legal protections of all persons under investigation would be respected.
French cocaine seizure
The arrests come days after French customs officers intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk.
The consignment, valued at approximately €225 million, or about US$261 million, was concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana.
The shipment was reportedly destined, at least in part, for Antwerp, Belgium.
French authorities said their judicial police had been investigating the criminal network allegedly behind the shipment before the seizure. An investigation has since been opened into suspected organised importation of narcotics and participation in a criminal association.
Dutch and French investigative sources have reportedly linked part of the shipment to the criminal organisation allegedly associated with Leijdekkers.
However, Dutch prosecutors have not independently confirmed his involvement in this specific cocaine seizure.
Leijdekkers, a Dutch national and convicted drug trafficker, has been sentenced in absentia in both the Netherlands and Belgium over cocaine trafficking and other offences.
He remains at large and is believed to be operating from West Africa.
The latest arrests in Ghana form part of the ongoing efforts by authorities to determine how the shipment was connected to Ghana and identify individuals allegedly involved in the wider trafficking network.
