A Brazil-based Nigerian, Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the High Court in Accra for possession and attempted smuggling of cocaine weighing 16,568.83 grams into Ghana.

The High Court in Accra found Mr Ukechukwu guilty on six counts of narcotic offences, which included the importation and possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority. 

The court presided over by Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh imposed a minimum of 10 years of hard labour on the convict, along with a fine of ten thousand penalty units. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three (3) years in default. The sentence will run concurrently.

Mr Ukechukwu was arrested on Sunday, 11 December 2022, at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) when he was going through arrival formalities. Officials from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) noticed inconsistencies in his statements during routine checks. Subsequent inspection of his luggage revealed the concealed consignment of cocaine.

Upon his arraignment, Mr Ukechukwu pleaded guilty to all six counts, leading to his conviction on those pleas.

Following the court's ruling, the investigators of NACOC carried out the immediate destruction of the seized narcotics in the presence of the court registrar, state prosecutors, and the defense counsel at about 1433hrs on the same day.

In a statement, NACOC emphasised its commitment to safeguarding public safety by combatting the illegal trade and usage of narcotics. The Commission reiterated that the possession, use, and transportation of illicit drugs without lawful authorisation are strictly prohibited under the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (Act 1019).

He was sentenced on Thursday, 13 July 2023.