Four granted GHC52m bail over KIA Swissport cocaine bust

Four individuals are on trial for a cocaine bust at Kotoka International Airport. They have been granted bail of GHC13 million each, with four sureties.

As part of their bail conditions, they must report to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) twice a week. They are also on a no-fly list. Their biodata has been sent to the Passport Office to prevent new travel documents.

The suspects include Gariba Soli, an artefact dealer, and three freight forwarders: Josiah Baidoo, Emmanuel Mintah, and Kwabena Ampfo Anti. They were arrested for allegedly trying to export 73 slabs of cocaine without a license.

They face charges for attempting to export narcotics without a license. They are also charged with conspiracy and possession of narcotics without a license.

During court proceedings, NACOC officers conducted a routine inspection at Swissport terminal. They found three wooden boxes labeled as containing artefacts. A detailed examination revealed 73 slabs of powdered substances that tested positive for cocaine.

Gariba Soli claimed he was hired by someone named Kevin to ship artefacts to the Netherlands. He insisted that the boxes contained only artefacts when delivered on April 14. He stated he was informed about an inspection on April 23 when the cocaine was discovered.