A Nigerian national based in Brazil, Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu has been convicted for attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine into Ghana.

Ukechukwu has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) arrested him at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) when he attempted to enter Ghana with the cocaine.

NACOC officials arrested Ukechukwu on December 11, 2022, when he was going through arrival formalities at KIA.

His suspicious behaviour raised concerns, prompting a thorough search of his luggage.

The search revealed a staggering 16,568.83 grams of cocaine concealed in his belongings.

Following the discovery, he was taken into custody and charged with six counts of narcotic offences related to drug importation and possession without lawful authority.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Accra, Ukechukwu pleaded guilty to all charges, and the presiding judge, Mary Ekue Yanzuh, subsequently convicted him on his plea.

In addition to the 10-year imprisonment, he was slapped with a fine of 10,000 penalty units. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three years of imprisonment.

On the day of the sentencing, the exhibit of cocaine was destroyed in the presence of the court Registrar, state prosecutors, and the defence counsel, as ordered by the court.