Nigerian jailed 10 years for attempt to smuggle cocaine into Ghana

A Nigerian national based in Brazil, Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu, has been jailed 10 years by an Accra High Court.

The judgement was handed down on 13 July 2023 when the court found him guilty for possession and attempted smuggling of cocaine weighing 16568.83 grams into Ghana.

He was arrested in November 2022 when he arrived at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) by officials of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

Aside the 10 years in hard labour, he was “charged with a fine of Ten thousand penalty units, of which he will serve three (3) additional years in default. The sentence is expected to run concurrently,” NACOC said in a statement signed by Francis Opoku Amoah of its Public Affairs and International Unit.

NACON gives details of the arrest

The convict was arrested by NACOC officials at the arrival hall of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on 11 December 2022 when he was going through arrival formalities.

Officials picked him up as part of their daily routine where his narrations were found to be distorting, leading to further checks on his luggage, revealing the concealed consignment in his luggage.

Mr Ukechukwu was arrested by officers of the Narcotics Control Commission and charged with six (6) counts of narcotic offences relating to importation and possession of narcotic drugs, without lawful authority.

He was arraigned before the Criminal Court Division of the Accra High Court, where he pleaded guilty to all six counts and was consequently convicted on his plea by the court presided over by Her Lordship Mary Ekue Yanzuh.

The Court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit which was carried out the same day by the investigators of NACOC in the presence of the court Registrar, State prosecutors and the defense counsel at about 1433hrs.

The Commission reiterates its commitment to upholding its mandate to protect the public from the trade and usage of illegal narcotics to maintain public safety, hence the facilitation of the sentencing.

The possession, use and transportation of illicit drugs without lawful authorization are still illegal and punishable under sections 40 (1) and 41 (1) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, (Act 1019).