What We Know About Jessica Hartog in the €225 Million Cocaine Case

A 34-year-old Ghanaian beautician and business owner, Jessica Hartog, has become one of the names attracting public attention following the arraignment of four people in connection with an alleged cocaine shipment from Ghana to France.

Hartog, who has been identified as the owner of Euro Spa and Beauty Lounge in Shiashie, Accra, appeared before the High Court in Accra on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, alongside three other accused persons.

The case follows the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine by French customs authorities at the port of Dunkirk on September 10, 2026. The shipment was reportedly concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana.

Who is Jessica Hartog?

Jessica Hartog is a Ghanaian beautician and the owner of Euro Spa and Beauty Lounge, a beauty business located in Shiashie, Accra.

According to reports on the court proceedings, Hartog was identified as the fiancée of businessman Desmond Koranteng Curiel, also known as Paul Kweku Yeboah or “Biggs.”

Her name emerged publicly after she was arrested by Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and subsequently arraigned in connection with the alleged exportation of narcotic drugs.

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Why was Jessica Hartog arrested?

Hartog was among four people charged following investigations into an alleged attempt to export nearly four tonnes of cocaine from Ghana to France.

The other accused persons are:

• Desmond Koranteng Curiel, also known as Paul Kweku Yeboah or “Biggs”.

• Musah Attah, also known as “Kromo”.

• Kweku Otchere.

• Jessica Hartog.

The accused persons face charges relating to conspiracy to export narcotic drugs without a licence issued by the Minister of Health and the exportation of narcotic drugs.

A fifth person, Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos”, has been reported as being at large in connection with the investigation. The allegations against the accused persons remain subject to the court process.

What happened to the alleged cocaine shipment?

The case began after French customs authorities reportedly intercepted a container at the port of Dunkirk in northern France on September 10, 2026.

The container had reportedly arrived from Ghana and was declared to contain plastic waste. French authorities allegedly discovered nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed inside the consignment.

The shipment was estimated to have a street value of approximately €225 million. Reports also stated that part of the consignment was allegedly intended for Antwerp, Belgium.

Following the seizure, NACOC launched investigations in Ghana and worked with French authorities to establish how the shipment allegedly left Ghana and identify those connected to it.

What did the prosecution say about Hartog?

During the court proceedings, the prosecution reportedly identified Hartog as Curiel’s fiancée.

The prosecution also told the court that Hartog claimed she was unaware of the nature or details of her fiancé’s business activities.

This is a statement presented in the context of the prosecution’s account. It should not be treated as a judicial finding that establishes guilt or innocence.

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When was Jessica Hartog arrested?

According to reports published after the arraignment, Hartog and Desmond Koranteng Curiel were arrested by NACOC officers at Ashaley Botwe on September 12, 2026.

Kweku Otchere was reportedly arrested at his residence in East Legon on the same day, while Musah Attah reportedly surrendered to NACOC on September 14. These details were presented in the prosecution’s account of the investigation.

Reports also stated that investigators recovered items including firearms, ammunition, luxury vehicles, passports and money during searches connected to the arrests. The exact evidentiary significance of those items must be determined through the legal process.

What is the current status of the case?

The four accused persons were arraigned before the High Court in Accra on September 16, 2026, and remanded in custody for four weeks.

They are expected to return to court on October 13, 2026. All four face allegations that have not yet been determined by the court.

What happens next?

The case is expected to continue as investigators and prosecutors pursue evidence relating to the alleged shipment and the accused persons’ respective roles.

Further court proceedings may provide additional information about:

• The evidence connecting each accused person to the shipment.

• The alleged ownership and movement of the consignment.

• The relationship between the Ghana-based suspects and individuals abroad.

• The charges and evidence presented during subsequent hearings.

GhanaNkomo will need to follow the proceedings carefully and distinguish between prosecution allegations, defence responses, verified evidence and court findings as the case develops.

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