A 22-year-old British woman has been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court after allegedly attempting to smuggle nearly 18 kilograms of cannabis through Ghana’s main international airport.
Browne-Frater Chyna Jada was intercepted at Kotoka International Airport on 18 May 2025, just before boarding British Airways flight BA 2066 to London. The suspected cannabis, packed into 32 vacuum-sealed slabs, is estimated to have a street value of $232,960.
The accused, who holds a valid UK passport, has been charged with attempted exportation of narcotic drugs, unlawful possession, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Her plea was not taken as the court awaits an official analysis from the Ghana Standards Authority.
The arrest followed a tip-off from international partners about a trafficking syndicate believed to be smuggling Thai-grown cannabis into the UK. Browne-Frater had reportedly been flagged by Ghanaian immigration officials and placed on a stop list.
According to the prosecution, Browne-Frater was apprehended in the airport’s departure hall and later escorted to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) office. A suitcase bearing her name was traced, offloaded, and opened in her presence. Field tests confirmed the substance to be cannabis.
In her statement to investigators, Browne-Frater claimed she had no knowledge of the drugs, saying the suitcase had been packed by her Ghanaian boyfriend, known only as “Joey.” She said she was led to believe it contained local alcoholic beverages and spices.
The court, presided over by Mrs Susan Eduful, denied a bail application filed by the defence, citing the accused as a potential flight risk. Prosecutors confirmed that “Joey” remains at large and is being pursued by authorities.
The seized substances have been sealed and are awaiting full analysis. Browne-Frater will remain in custody while investigations continue.
Her next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks. NACOC officials have pledged to intensify surveillance and collaborate further with international agencies to disrupt cross-border drug trafficking networks.
