The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has suspended all personnel allegedly involved in a recent cocaine smuggling incident at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The Herald Newspaper disclosed that the scandal unfolded following the apprehension of a Dutch national, Proeger Delgey Bianca, at Brussels Airport in Belgium.

She was found carrying eight and a half kilogrammes of suspected cocaine, purportedly trafficked through KIA on March 23, 2024, aboard Royal Air Maroc, the Moroccan national carrier.

In response, GACL, on April 10, confirmed the launch of investigations and the suspension of implicated staff.

The company reiterated its stern warning to employees regarding aiding passengers at the airport. Failure to comply may result in severe penalties, including dismissal and prosecution by the State.

GACL assured the public of its unwavering commitment to uphold safety and security standards at the airport.

Read the full statement below:

The attention of the Board and Management of GACL has been drawn to the Herald publication dated Wednesday, April 10, 2024, with the above headline.

Management notes that investigations by relevant authorities into the alleged smuggling of 8.5 kilograms of substance suspected to be cocaine through Kotoka International Airport on March 23, 2024, are ongoing.

The Board and Management, in line with GACL’s internal administrative processes, has taken swift measures to interdict all GACL staff relevant to the investigation.

Management has also reiterated its warning to staff regarding the facilitation of passengers at the airport, failing which punitive measures not limited to but including summary dismissals and prosecutions by the State will be effected in line with existing protocols.

Management wishes to assure the general public of its commitment and determination, in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that operations at the airport are safe and secure.