Four Ghanaians imprisoned 26 years for smuggling £4.5 worth cannabis to UK

Four Ghanaian men have been sentenced to a collective 26 years in prison for their roles in a major cannabis trafficking operation that attempted to smuggle nearly £4.5 million worth of drugs into the UK.

The operation was uncovered at Tilbury Docks, where border force officers, working alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission, flagged a suspicious shipping container. Inside, they found sacks of Gari concealing substantial quantities of cannabis.

On October 18, 2024, Southwark Crown Court sentenced the individuals based on their involvement. Daniel Yeboah received five years, Edward Adjei four years, Kristoffen Baidoo ten years in absentia, and Kwaku Bonsu seven years. Authorities continue to search for Baidoo and Bonsu to ensure they serve their sentences.

NCA senior officer Saju Sasikumar highlighted the serious impact this operation would have had on UK communities, noting the extensive harm cannabis distribution can inflict.

The shipment, originating from Ghana, arrived in the UK on December 19, 2019. After suspicions arose, a thorough search revealed approximately 1.5 tonnes of herbal cannabis, valued at around £4.3 million, hidden among the Gari sacks.

Following the discovery, Yeboah signed a falsified delivery note, and the drugs were replaced with replicas before being transported to a location in North London. Investigators also found text and email evidence on Baidoo’s phone, exposing his coordination efforts and false identity usage to claim the shipment. Additionally, Bonsu’s bank records showed payments related to the delivery.

This case reflects the NCA’s dedication to dismantling organized crime networks and disrupting drug trafficking channels. By targeting significant players within the supply chain, authorities aim to reduce drug-related violence and exploitation across communities.