Nick TC Scan Captures 397 ‘Wee’ Slabs

………………….at Kotoka International Airport

The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Narcotics Control Board and Ghana Airports Company Limited to combat the transit of illicit drugs through the Kotoka International Airport have yielded more results following the installation of a scanning machine at the airdrome by Nick TC Scan, a sister company of Ghana Link Network Services Ltd.

Just recently, the scanning machine chalked a major feat as it prevented the smuggling of 397 slabs of compressed leaves suspected to be Indian hemp since the commencement of its operations in October last year. Owned by Ghana Link Network Services ltd, the scanner detected the substances which were concealed in 12 sacks loaded with white singlets and T-shirts during a routine screening of goods at the Aviance Cargo Village.

Three Nigerians, Omoleyo Akinyele aged 23, Akinsanmi Akinyele aged 37 both siblings and Muyiden Mustapha aged 33, suspected to be the owners of the consignment which were bound for Nigeria have been arrested by officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB).

Information reaching The Enquirer has it that following the detection, two freight forwarders, Eric Anderson and Philip Adade who brought the goods for export were initially arrested. Subsequently, the two led officials of NACOB to effect the arrest of Omeleyo who they claim brought them the goods for export, adding that they did not know the sacks contained the illicit drugs.

According Omoleyo, the goods were given to him by Akinsanmi. Consequently he led NACOB officials to arrest him. Further, Akinsanmi led NACOB officials to arrest Mustapha who he claimed gave him the goods.

The suspects were taken to the Cargo Village where the three suspects identified the goods. They were made to open the sacks and when they were searched 397 compressed dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were found out. Even though they denied knowledge of the substance, they are however being kept in custody to help in investigations. Meanwhile, the freight forwarders have been granted bail.