Two officials detained over alleged 320kg meth-laced charcoal export

Two officials of the Energy Commission have been detained by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to assist with investigations into an alleged attempt to smuggle methamphetamine concealed in a consignment of charcoal to Australia.

The detentions form part of an ongoing probe into what authorities suspect is an international drug trafficking operation following the interception of the shipment by Australian authorities.

According to a report by adomonline.com on July 15, 2026, the officials were taken into custody over their alleged connection to the approval process for the charcoal export.

NACOC said the arrests are intended to help investigators establish whether there were any breaches or compromises in the export approval process and to identify all individuals involved in the suspected trafficking network.

"The detentions form part of a broader investigation aimed at identifying those behind the alleged drug trafficking network and determining whether there were any breaches or compromises in the export approval process," the report said.

The Commission has not disclosed the identities of the two officials or indicated whether they will face formal charges.

The Energy Commission is the state agency responsible for issuing permits and licences for charcoal exports from Ghana.

Investigators believe the officials may have information relevant to how the shipment obtained approval and whether all required export procedures were properly followed.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further updates as the probe progresses.

Prime suspect behind Australia's 320kg 'charcoal meth' bust arrested in Ghana

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.

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.

MRA/VPO

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