Ghana has deported a South Korean man in his 80s who allegedly trafficked more than five tonnes of cocaine worth approximately US$3.6 billion, ending his 22-year stay in the country as an undocumented migrant.
According to South Korea’s National Police Agency, the suspect was returned to South Korea on October 20, 2026, to face further investigations into his alleged involvement in international drug trafficking.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly arrested by Ghanaian police for illegal residence following cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and the South Korean Embassy in Accra.
South Korean Man Accused of $3.6 Billion Cocaine Trafficking
South Korean investigators allege that the suspect participated in five cocaine shipments between 2002 and 2004 while working as a supervisor aboard an ocean-going fishing vessel.
The shipments allegedly took place in international waters off the coast of South America and involved approximately 5,385 kilogrammes of cocaine.
Investigators estimate the drugs were worth about 4.8 trillion South Korean won, equivalent to approximately US$3.6 billion.
After his alleged accomplices were prosecuted, the suspect reportedly fled to Ghana around 2004, where he remained without legal residency status for approximately 22 years.
The Busan Coast Guard subsequently placed him on an INTERPOL Red Notice as authorities continued efforts to locate him.
Ghanaian Police Collaborate with South Korean Authorities
The suspect’s arrest and deportation followed information-sharing and cooperation between the Ghana Police Service and South Korean law enforcement agencies.
South Korean authorities have not disclosed the specific location where the man lived in Ghana, the activities he engaged in during his stay or the exact date of his arrest.
Ghanaian authorities have also not released a detailed public account of the operation.
The case highlights the importance of international police cooperation in tracking suspected criminals who cross borders to evade prosecution.
Cocaine Trafficking Raises Concerns About Ghana’s Border Security
The deportation comes amid growing concerns about drug trafficking and Ghana’s potential use as a transit point for international narcotics networks.
In September 2026, the Presidency convened an emergency meeting at Jubilee House to discuss border security and measures to combat drug trafficking.
The discussions followed accusations by the Minority that Ghana was becoming a transit hub for international drug cartels.
However, Majority Leader James Agalga has pointed to an increase in arrests by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), from 73 in 2024 to 217 in 2025, as evidence of stronger enforcement.
The latest deportation is expected to draw further attention to Ghana’s cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in combating organised crime and cross-border drug trafficking.
South Korea to Investigate Cocaine Shipments
South Korean police and coast guard officials have pledged to pursue fugitives suspected of serious maritime crimes and ensure that they face the legal process.
The Busan Coast Guard is expected to question the suspect about how the alleged cocaine shipments were organised, the payments he received and his connections to the suspected trafficking network.
The investigation could provide further information about the movement of narcotics through international waters and the wider criminal organisation allegedly involved.
Source: newsthemegh.com