The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three suspects for allegedly representing and facilitating the activities of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos,” in Ghana.
The arrests follow the seizure by French customs of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at about €225 million (US$261 million), from a container of plastic waste that arrived at the port of Dunkirk from Ghana. French authorities said the shipment was initially destined, in part, for Antwerp, Belgium.
French investigators had reportedly been targeting the criminal network behind the shipment before the seizure. Dutch and French authorities have also reported information indicating that part of the cocaine may have belonged to Leijdekkers’ organisation, although Dutch prosecutors have not independently confirmed his involvement.
NACOC said the three suspects are currently in its custody and assisting investigators as they examine their alleged roles in the trafficking operation.
The Commission said the arrests form part of efforts to prevent Ghana from being used as a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations.
NACOC added that it would continue working with domestic and international law-enforcement agencies to disrupt the people, finances and infrastructure sustaining the illicit drug trade, while safeguarding the rights and legal protections of persons under investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.