€225 Million Cocaine Bust: Where the four suspects were arrested

Four Ghanaians linked to the alleged exportation of nearly four tonnes of cocaine from Ghana to France have been formally charged, with details emerging about their arrests and statements to investigators.

The accused are Desmond Koranteng Curiel, also known as Paul Kweku Yeboah or “Biggs”; Musah Attah, alias “Kromo”; Kweku Otchere; and Jessica Hartog.

They were arraigned before the High Court in Accra on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and have been remanded to reappear on October 13, 2026.

They are facing charges of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs without a licence and the exportation of narcotic drugs.

According to details of the case reported by GHOne TV journalist Awisi Dede, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) arrested Curiel and Hartog at Ashaley Botwe on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Curiel is described in court reports as a businessman or business broker, while Hartog, his fiancée, works as a beautician.

Kweku Otchere, the third accused, was also arrested at his residence in East Legon on the same day.

Awisi Dede reported that a subsequent search allegedly led investigators to three firearms, ammunition, four luxury vehicles, passports and various sums of money.

Musah Attah was arrested two days later, on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the NACOC headquarters.

Suspects deny knowledge of cocaine shipment

According to statements attributed to the suspects and reported by Awisi Dede, Curiel denied knowledge of or involvement in the cocaine shipment.

Attah reportedly told investigators that he was a friend of Curiel but did not conduct business with him.

Otchere, meanwhile, reportedly said he had known Curiel for a long time and was working on the construction of Curiel’s apartments at Tse Addo.

Jessica Hartog reportedly told investigators that she was Curiel’s fiancée and that she did not know the nature or details of his businesses.

The case follows the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France’s Port of Dunkirk on September 10, 2026.

The drugs were concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had departed from Ghana and have been valued at about €225 million.

Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos”, has been named as a fifth accused in the case and remains at large.

The accused persons have not been convicted of the charges, and the allegations against them remain before the court.



FKA/MA

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