Ghanaian Trader Sentenced to 15 Years for Smuggling Meth in Picture Frames

A Ghanaian trader has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted for smuggling methamphetamine hidden inside picture frames. Daniel Agbeko, also known as Abraham Fosu, was found guilty of attempting to export the narcotics from Ghana to Australia.

The illicit package, which contained two picture frames filled with a whitish crystalline substance, was intercepted on June 20, 2022, at the Aviance Cargo Section of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra. The package was flagged during a routine check of outbound shipments to Sydney, Australia. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Aramex officials tracked the package, eventually leading to Agbeko’s arrest.

Agbeko had received the package from his Nigerian associate, John Emeka, who remains at large. Alongside charges of criminal conspiracy, Agbeko was convicted for importing and attempting to export narcotic drugs without authorization.

Despite pleading not guilty, the High Court, under Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, convicted Agbeko on all counts. He was sentenced to 15 years for each charge, with the terms to run concurrently. The court also imposed a fine of GHC120,000, with a three-year prison term to be added if the fine is not paid.

The prosecution presented evidence from NACOC and other agencies, supporting their case with testimonies from witnesses. Agbeko admitted to the crime during the investigation, revealing that he had used the alias “Abraham Fosu” and a corresponding passport to conceal his identity. The judge considered his first-time offender status and apparent remorse in sentencing, though the Assistant State Attorney, Frederick Adu-Gyamfi, noted that Agbeko had consistently denied the charges during the trial.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission to combat drug trafficking at international borders.