Emaa Hussen (L) was arrested by Australian police methamphetamine drug bust
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the shipment of 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in charcoal and exported to Australia.
The Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, disclosed the arrest during the commission’s annual drug destruction exercise in Accra on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
According to him, the operation was carried out through a joint effort involving NACOC, the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), and other security agencies after months of surveillance and investigations.
Australian police intercept 320kg of illegal drugs valued at $296 million imported from Ghana
“I am aware you all know of the Australian methamphetamine saga. Through the efforts of Narcotics in collaboration with the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) and other security agencies, I am happy to announce that we have picked the lead shipper,” he said.
Brigadier General Mantey praised officers involved in the operation, indicating that they spent several months tracking the suspect before making the arrest.
“We did that over three nights. My officers slept out of their homes for three months and successfully picked the person who led that enterprise,” he stated.
He disclosed that more arrests were expected as investigations continue into the drug trafficking network.
“This afternoon, we are picking more. Whoever is involved, as I always say, it is only God and the courts that can free you,” he warned.
The NACOC boss stressed the commission's determination to dismantle the entire operation and prevent Ghana from becoming a hub for international drug trafficking.
“We will get to the bottom of this enterprise and make sure that will not be declared as a narco state,” he added.
The 320kg methamphetamine case attracted international attention after authorities uncovered an alleged attempt to smuggle the drugs to Australia hidden in bags of charcoal.
About the case:
Emaa Hussen, a 34-year-old British actress, was arrested and charged in Sydney, Australia, for her alleged involvement in a massive, international drug smuggling operation.
The former actress has been charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine following an investigation by Australian authorities.
According to Australian police, about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of nearly $300 million (US$208 million), were concealed in sacks of charcoal shipped from Ghana to Sydney's Port Botany.
The police said the investigation began in April 2026 after border officials detected irregularities in two shipping containers that arrived from Ghana.
Authorities removed the drugs and allowed the containers to continue to their destination under surveillance.
Investigators allege that the shipment was later taken to a storage facility in Girraween, western Sydney, where Hussen assisted in unpacking the concealed drugs.
Police further claim she transported the drugs to a residence in Blacktown, where she was subsequently arrested.
The female 'kingpin' behind the US$208 million drug case traced to Ghana
Hussen has been denied bail and remains in custody. If found guilty, she could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. She was charged alongside a South Australian couple who are also accused of helping coordinate the alleged operation.
Watch the interview from 30:00 minutes onwards:
MAG/VPO
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