The Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) has alleged that four containers later intercepted in France with about 3.9 tonnes of substances suspected to be cocaine had earlier raised concerns during scanning at the Tema Port.

The allegation is contained in a charge sheet filed before the Kwabenya Circuit Court in Accra, where six people have been remanded in connection with the suspected narcotics shipment.

The accused persons are Francis Narh Amanor, Frank Adu-Boahen, Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi.

According to the charge sheet, the four 40-foot containers – SELU4549480, FFAU2242304, MSDU5642699 and SELU4809801 – left the Tema Port on August 19, 2026, before being intercepted in France with the suspected narcotics.

The BNI, according to a report by Channel One TV on September 17, 2026, said investigations at the Tema Port and checks through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) showed that the containers had undergone scan-image analysis.

The images were allegedly assessed as “abnormal”, indicating discrepancies between what appeared in the scan images and the contents declared for the containers.

Despite the reported abnormalities, the containers were allegedly released and subsequently shipped out of Ghana.

The BNI further alleges that the second accused, Frank Adu-Boahen, provided his login credentials to some of the other accused persons to enable them to conduct scan-image analysis on his behalf, although he was expected to personally undertake the analysis.

Kumadoe disputes Muntaka’s claim of insider leaks in France cocaine case

The prosecution alleges that the officials who examined the images detected abnormalities but failed to prevent the containers from leaving the country or return them for further examination.

Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi, who are linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), have been charged with abetment of the alleged exportation of narcotic drugs.

The prosecution alleges that the four failed to properly analyse abnormal scan images relating to the containers on August 12, 2026, thereby facilitating their release.

Francis Narh Amanor, a 49-year-old freight forwarder, and Adu-Boahen, 71, are accused of exporting the containers containing the suspected narcotics.

The BNI said its review of ICUMS records identified Fresna Commodities Ltd as the exporter of the containers, with Amanor listed as the company’s Managing Director.

Amanor allegedly told investigators after his arrest on September 15 that he owned F&F Logistics and had exported the containers, describing their contents as pet flakes or plastic scraps.

He reportedly identified a person known as “Frank” as the owner of the consignment who had engaged his services.

Investigators subsequently alleged that the containers were loaded at a warehouse in Community 12, Tema, belonging to Adu-Boahen.

Cocaine Bust: MP Assafuah alleges suspect Musah Attah is part of President, Veep’s security detail

Adu-Boahen was arrested at an alleged hideout in Community 19, Tema, on September 16. The BNI alleges that he admitted ownership of the four containers and said they were loaded at his warehouse before being shipped with Amanor.

The six accused persons face charges including conspiracy to export narcotic drugs, the alleged exportation of narcotic drugs and abetment of the alleged exportation.

The BNI has told the court that investigations are ongoing and requested their remand to enable investigators to complete their work.

The case was adjourned to September 24, 2026.

MRA/MA

Ato Forson: We Will Lock in Economic Stability and Prevent Another 2022 Crisis