Omanghana
An 84-year-old South Korean man wanted in connection with alleged cocaine trafficking has been deported from Ghana after spending approximately 22 years evading arrest.
The suspect, identified by authorities only as Mr. Choi, returned to South Korea on October 20, 2026, following cooperation between Ghanaian law enforcement and the Korean National Police Agency.
South Korean investigators allege that Choi helped transport 5,385 kilograms of cocaine on five occasions between 2002 and 2004 while working as a supervisor and manager of deep-sea fishing vessels.
The shipments, allegedly moved through international waters off South America on behalf of a drug trafficking organization, had an estimated street value of 4.8 trillion won, approximately US$3.6 billion.
Authorities say Choi fled to Ghana in 2004 as other suspects connected to the fishing vessels were arrested and prosecuted. He reportedly remained in the country without valid immigration documentation.
The Busan Coast Guard pursued his arrest through an Interpol Red Notice. A joint investigation involving South Korean and Ghanaian authorities eventually located him, after which Ghanaian police arrested him over immigration and unlawful residency offences.
Choi, who was using a wheelchair during his return, was taken into custody at the Busan Maritime Police Station upon arrival in South Korea.
He faces charges under the Special Act on the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics. Investigators are examining payments he allegedly received, the routes used to move the drugs and his suspected connections to senior figures in international trafficking networks.
The allegations against him remain subject to investigation and court proceedings.
Source: Omanghana
