Everything You Need To Know About The €225 million Cocaine Bust

Ghanaian journalist Awisi Dede has shared new insights on the recent arrest and questioning of four individuals charged in a significant drug trafficking case in Accra. They are accused of attempting to smuggle approximately four tonnes of cocaine from Ghana to France.

In a social media update on September 16, 2026, Dede revealed some of the alleged conversations and statements made by the suspects during their interrogations. Currently, all four suspects remain in custody.

The first suspect, Desmond Koranteng Curiel, and the fourth suspect, Jessica Hartog, were taken into custody at Ashale Botwe. Desmond is identified as a businessman, while Jessica is his fiancée.

The third suspect, Kweku Otchere, was arrested at his home in East Legon. A subsequent search revealed three firearms, four luxury cars, various passports, ammunition, and substantial amounts of cash.

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Musah Attah, the second suspect, was arrested on September 14, 2026, at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) headquarters. Meanwhile, a fifth suspect—Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, known as “Bolle Jos”—is reportedly still evading arrest.

According to Dede, during questioning, Desmond Koranteng Curiel claimed to be a businessman operating various ventures but denied any connection to the drug shipment. Musah Attah stated that he is a friend of Desmond but insisted that they do not conduct business together. Kweku Otchere described himself as a longtime friend of Desmond, mentioning his role in assisting with the construction of Desmond’s apartments in Tse Addo. Jessica Hartog, in her caution statement, asserted that she is merely the fiancée of Desmond and claimed ignorance about his business dealings.

The four suspects were brought before the High Court in Accra on September 16, 2026, facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime—including the illegal exportation of narcotics without proper licensing from the Minister of Health—and the actual exportation of narcotic substances. They have been remanded in custody for four weeks, with a court appearance scheduled for October 13, 2026.