A Nigerian national based in Brazil, Ernest Nnajuiba Ukechukwu, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by an Accra High Court.
The conviction resulted from his involvement in the possession and attempted smuggling of cocaine weighing 16,568.83 grams into Ghana.
Mr Ukechukwu was charged with six counts of narcotic offences, including importation and possession of illegal drugs without lawful authority.
He pleaded guilty to all six counts and was convicted on his own plea.
The sentence, delivered by the court presided over by Her Lordship Mary Ekue Yanzuh on Thursday, July 13, mandates a minimum of 10 years in hard labour.
Additionally, he has been charged a fine of ten thousand penalty units, with a three-year default sentence in case of non-payment.
The sentences are expected to run concurrently.
The facts before the court reveal that the convict was arrested by Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) officials upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on December 11, 2022.
NACOC officials apprehended him after finding discrepancies in his statements.
A thorough inspection of his luggage revealed a concealed consignment of cocaine weighing a staggering 16,568.83 grams.
The court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit, which was carried out the same day by the investigators of NACOC in the presence of the court registrar, state prosecutors and the defence counsel.
Following the sentencing, NACOC, in a statement, emphasized its dedication to safeguarding public safety by combatting the trade and usage of illegal narcotics.
They reiterated that the possession, use, and transportation of illicit drugs without lawful authorization remain strictly prohibited under sections 40 (1) and 41 (1) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (Act 1019).