NACOC hunts Airport Security Officer over South African drug connection

The arrest of a 52-year-old South African national at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg with heroin worth more than R2 million, or over GH¢1 million, has triggered a follow-up investigation by Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

Sources have told The Herald that investigators are pursuing leads provided by South African authorities.

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The South African suspect, identified by The Herald as Trevor Wayne Altree, was arrested on Sunday, September 20, 2026, shortly after arriving in South Africa from Accra, Ghana, on board a South African Airways flight.

Among the persons sought by Ghana’s NACOC, according to sources, is a man identified as Frank Danquah, who is said to work in Aviation Security at the airport.

The Herald has learned that Trevor allegedly travelled to Ghana to collect the consignment.

South African police said a search of his luggage uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

According to The Herald’s sources at NACOC, Altree had been in Ghana from September 15 to September 20 before returning to South Africa with the suspected narcotics.

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The sources said NACOC is now following up on leads received from South African authorities as investigators seek to establish how the drugs were allegedly obtained in Ghana and identify persons who may have facilitated their movement.

The sources stressed that Danquah is not an employee of a private security company but works with Aviation Security under the airport company.

NACOC investigators are reportedly pursuing several leads as they seek to establish whether any airport personnel or other individuals in Ghana played a role in the suspected movement of the heroin.

The allegations against any person identified in Ghana remain subject to investigation, and no determination of criminal liability has been made.

The arrest of Altree was confirmed by South African authorities.

Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyksaid the suspect had arrived on a flight from Accra when he was intercepted.

“The 52-year-old South African national had just arrived on a flight from Accra, Ghana, when police intercepted him at the airport on Sunday, 20 September 2026.”

Police said the discovery was made after a search of his luggage, which uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin.

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Van Wyk said the arrest was the third drug-related arrest at the airport in three weeks, highlighting ongoing efforts by South African law enforcement agencies to disrupt international narcotics trafficking through the airport.

Altree is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week to face drug-trafficking-related charges.

Investigations in South Africa and Ghana are continuing.