Ghana deports South Korean man in his 80s after 22 Years on the run over alleged $3.6 billion cocaine smuggling

Story by: Regina Bless

Ghana has deported a South Korean man in his 80s who had reportedly been on the run for about 22 years over his alleged involvement in the transportation of more than five tonnes of cocaine in international waters off the coast of South America.

The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was repatriated to South Korea on October 20 following a coordinated operation involving Ghanaian authorities, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) and the Busan Coast Guard.

According to South Korean police, the suspect had been living in Ghana as an undocumented immigrant since around 2004 after allegedly fleeing following the arrest of his accomplices.

He is accused of participating in five separate narcotics transportation operations between 2002 and 2004 while working as a supervisor aboard a deep-sea fishing vessel.

Investigators estimate that the shipments contained approximately 5,385 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated value of 4.8 trillion South Korean won, equivalent to about US$3.6 billion.

The KNPA alleges that the suspect transported the narcotics on behalf of an organised drug trafficking network and received payments for his role in the operations.

His whereabouts were reportedly established through intelligence sharing between South Korean and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies after the Busan Coast Guard placed him on Interpol’s wanted list.

The joint efforts eventually led to his deportation from Ghana and return to South Korea, where he is expected to face the allegations against him.

The case highlights international cooperation between law enforcement agencies in tracking down suspects accused of involvement in major cross-border drug trafficking operations.