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Anti-narcotics office opened at KIA
Accra, April 4, GNA - A permanent office for the Ghana/UK
anti-narcotics collaboration dubbed Operation West Bridge
has been opened at the Departure Hall of the Kotoka
International Airport (KIA) in Accra.
With sophisticated gadgets and advanced technology,
Operation West Bridge is expected to tackle drug trafficking
much more effectively than before.
Ms Gloria Akuffo, Minister of Aviation, on Tuesday jointly
cut the tape for the opening of the office with Mr Richard
Powell, Deputy British High Commissioner.
In brief remarks, the Aviation Minister noted that while
aiming at turning the KIA into an aviation hub within the
West Africa Sub-Region, safety and security were vital to
the attraction of partners in that quest.
She pointed out that recent arrests and interceptions of
drugs at the Airport were clear signals to would-be
traffickers that they did not stand much of a chance.
Ms Akuffo thanked the British Government for their
assistance saying it was most crucial in the fight against
illicit drug trafficking.
Among those present at the opening were Mr Simon Allotey,
Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation
Authority (GCAA); Mr Willie Orhin, Acting Deputy Director
General, GCAA; General Joshua Hamidu (rtd), Chairman,
Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and Major General Richardson
Baiden, Executive Secretary, NACOB.
Meanwhile, a committee of enquiry has been set up by GCAA to
investigate a recent discovery of about 70 kilograms of a
substance suspected to be cocaine at the Duty-Free Shop
within the KIA.
Three workers at the shop as well as Aviation Security (AVSEC)
personnel were taken in for questioning as a result of the
discovery. Two AVSEC personnel have deserted their posts
ever since the incident.
GNA
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