Accra High Court Remands Beautician in $260M Narcotics Shipment Case

Jessica Hartog, a 34-year-old Ghanaian beautician, recently appeared before the High Court in Accra. She is facing charges related to her alleged participation in shipping approximately four tonnes of suspected illicit drugs from Ghana destined for France. Ms. Hartog, proprietor of Euros Spa located in East Legon, stands among four individuals indicted in connection with this substantial consignment.

The other accused persons include businessman Desmond Koranteng Curiel, who also goes by the aliases Paul Kweku Yeboah and Biggs Musah Attah, alongside Kromo and Kweku Otchere. Details of the case emerged following the interception of a 40-foot shipping container by French authorities at Dunkirk in September 2026. This container, originating from Ghana, was officially declared to be carrying plastic waste. However, investigators reportedly uncovered prohibited substances hidden within its contents.

The street value of this seized shipment is estimated to be around $260 million. Subsequent to this discovery, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) commenced an inquiry into individuals suspected of being involved with the illicit consignment. NACOC officers apprehended Ms. Hartog and Mr. Curiel at Ashaley Botwe on September 12. On the very same day, Otchere was taken into custody at his home in East Legon.

According to prosecutors, Attah voluntarily surrendered himself at the NACOC headquarters two days later, on September 14. During searches conducted as part of these arrests, authorities reportedly recovered three firearms, ammunition, four luxury vehicles, several passports, and significant amounts of cash. Ms. Hartog, who was identified in court as Mr. Curiel’s fiancée, informed investigators that she possessed no knowledge regarding the specifics or nature of his business activities.

All four defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the accusations leveled against them. The High Court ordered their remand into lawful custody, awaiting further legal proceedings, and adjourned the case until October 13, 2026. Meanwhile, a fifth suspect, Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, famously known as Bolle Jos, remains at large.