A 22-year-old British woman, Browne-Frater Chyna Jada, has been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly attempting to traffic nearly 18 kilograms of suspected cannabis out of Ghana.
She was arrested on May 18 at Kotoka International Airport while preparing to board a British Airways flight to London.
Officials from the Ghana Immigration Service, acting on intelligence, stopped her at the departure hall and later handed her over to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
According to NACOC, a suitcase bearing Browne-Frater’s name was traced, removed from the aircraft, and opened in her presence.
Inside, officers found 32 vacuum-sealed slabs of a substance that tested positive for delta-9 THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. The total weight of the substance was 17.92kg, with an estimated street value of $232,960.
In court, Browne-Frater faced charges including attempted exportation of narcotic drugs, conspiracy, and unlawful possession.
The presiding judge, Mrs Susan Eduful, denied a bail request, citing the accused as a potential flight risk. Prosecutors noted that her alleged accomplice, known only as “Joey,” is still on the run.
During interrogation, Browne-Frater claimed she was unaware of the suitcase’s contents, stating it was packed by “Joey,” who invited her to Ghana. She said she believed the bag contained beverages and spices.
“We are treating this case with the seriousness it deserves,” said Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi in court.
The seized substances have been sealed and are pending further analysis by the Ghana Standards Authority.