Anti-narcotics office opened at KIA

Accra, April 4, GNA - A permanent office for the Ghana/UK anti-narcotics collaboration dubbed Operation West Bridge has been opened at the Departure Hall of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.

With sophisticated gadgets and advanced technology, Operation West Bridge is expected to tackle drug trafficking much more effectively than before.

Ms Gloria Akuffo, Minister of Aviation, on Tuesday jointly cut the tape for the opening of the office with Mr Richard Powell, Deputy British High Commissioner.

In brief remarks, the Aviation Minister noted that while aiming at turning the KIA into an aviation hub within the West Africa Sub-Region, safety and security were vital to the attraction of partners in that quest.

She pointed out that recent arrests and interceptions of drugs at the Airport were clear signals to would-be traffickers that they did not stand much of a chance.

Ms Akuffo thanked the British Government for their assistance saying it was most crucial in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

Among those present at the opening were Mr Simon Allotey, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Mr Willie Orhin, Acting Deputy Director General, GCAA; General Joshua Hamidu (rtd), Chairman, Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and Major General Richardson Baiden, Executive Secretary, NACOB.

Meanwhile, a committee of enquiry has been set up by GCAA to investigate a recent discovery of about 70 kilograms of a substance suspected to be cocaine at the Duty-Free Shop within the KIA. Three workers at the shop as well as Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel were taken in for questioning as a result of the discovery. Two AVSEC personnel have deserted their posts ever since the incident.