Three women remanded for alleged methamphetamine smuggling

An Accra High Court has ordered the detention of two South African nationals and a Nigerian woman who were allegedly caught with over 16 kilograms of methamphetamines at Kotoka International Airport.

The suspects were apprehended on January 20, 2025, by officers from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) after authorities reportedly discovered the drugs hidden in two suitcases.

During the court session, presided over by Justice Kizita Koowa Quarshie, the accused—whose names remain undisclosed—were remanded in custody and are expected to appear again on February 11, 2025. However, their charges were not read, and they were not required to enter pleas.

Justice Quarshie also advised the defendants to seek legal representation. Meanwhile, Senior State Attorney Watkins Adamah requested their continued detention, arguing that further investigations were necessary.

The first two accused individuals, both South Africans, are said to have traveled to Ghana via Rwanda and were caught with identical suitcases containing the concealed narcotics. A subsequent controlled operation led to the arrest of the third suspect, a Nigerian who had reportedly traveled from Nigeria to meet them for an exchange.

Authorities believe additional individuals may be involved, and the NACOC has expressed interest in expanding the investigation. The prosecution has also requested that the Ghana Standards Authority confirm the nature of the seized substances.