An Accra High Court has remanded four people accused of involvement in the alleged export of nearly four tonnes of cocaine from Ghana to France.
The defendants were named as Desmond Koranteng Curiel, also known as Paul Kweku Yeboah and “Biggs”; Musah Atta, also known as “Kromo”; Kweku Okyere; and Jessica Hartog.
They have been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and the exportation of narcotic drugs. All four pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the court.
The court refused applications for bail and ordered that they remain in lawful custody while investigations continue. They are expected to return to court on 13 October 2026.
The charges remain allegations, and none of the defendants has been convicted.
Cocaine found in container from Ghana
The case follows the discovery of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk in northern France on 7 September.
According to a joint statement published by French Customs and France’s National Organised Crime Prosecutor’s Office, officers opened a 40-foot container that had arrived from Ghana and found 167 packages of cocaine concealed among plastic waste.
The container was reportedly intended to continue towards destinations including the Belgian port of Antwerp.
French authorities estimated the drugs’ market value at approximately €225 million. They said the entire consignment had been destroyed following the seizure.
France’s National Organised Crime Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into suspected organised importation, possession, transportation and supply of narcotics. The investigation was assigned to the country’s anti-narcotics office, known as OFAST, to identify those responsible for arranging the shipment.
Arrests made in Accra
Prosecutors in Ghana told the court that the Narcotics Control Commission, known as NACOC, began its investigation after receiving information about the interception in France.
According to the prosecution’s account, NACOC officers arrested Curiel and Hartog at Ashale Botwe on 12 September. Okyere was arrested at his residence in East Legon on the same day, while Atta was detained at NACOC’s headquarters on 14 September.
The prosecution alleged that searches conducted during the operation led to the recovery of three firearms, ammunition, four luxury vehicles, passports and sums of money. These claims have not yet been tested at trial.
The Ghana News Agency’s account of the court proceedings said prosecutors identified a fifth suspect, Dutch national Jos Leudekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos”, who remained at large at the time of the hearing.
Investigators have not publicly established the individual role allegedly played by each defendant in arranging or handling the shipment.
Investigations continue in Ghana and France
The case is being investigated across both countries because the container originated in Ghana but was intercepted on French territory.
French investigators are examining the international network believed to have organised the shipment, while Ghanaian authorities are investigating those allegedly connected to its departure from Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama met Ghana’s security chiefs on 17 September and received a briefing on investigations into recent cases involving drugs transported through the country’s ports.
The Ghanaian authorities have not announced further charges or additional arrests in this particular case.
The seizure has renewed attention on the movement of illegal drugs through West African ports and the need for cooperation between customs, security and anti-narcotics agencies across national borders.
The prosecution will be required to present evidence connecting the four defendants to the shipment. Until the court reaches a verdict, they remain presumed innocent.
