{
  "id": 8450105,
  "title": "3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine bust in France a national embarrassment to Ghana – Kofi Bentil",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/3-9-metric-tonnes-of-cocaine-bust-in-france-a-national-embarrassment",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T11:35:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/3-9-metric-tonnes-of-cocaine-bust-in-france-a-national-embarrassment-to-ghana-kofi-bentil/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lawyer Kofi Bentil, a Vice President of IMANI Africa, has deemed the seizure of nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine in France, allegedly originating from Ghana, as an \"embarrassing scandal\" for the nation. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Bentil questioned how such a large quantity of narcotics could evade detection by Ghanaian authorities and later be intercepted in France. The Ghanaian lawyer emphasized that this incident contradicts the country's image as a stable and well-governed nation within West Africa. \"When these things happen, that’s what they talk about,\" Bentil stated, stressing that the issue should be addressed as a matter of national security and accountability. He questioned the system's failure to intercept the consignment, which was concealed in a container declared to contain plastic waste at the Port of Dunkirk, France. According to Bentil, a shipment of this magnitude requires a complex logistical operation, and its passage through Ghana's ports suggests potential complicity within the system. Six individuals, including four linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), have been denied bail in connection with the case. Bentil called for accountability from those responsible for security and inspection processes, questioning their priorities and suggesting their focus should be on serious threats like organized drug trafficking.",
  "summary": "Lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil,has described the reported seizure of a large cocaine consignment in France after it allegedly passed through Ghana as “scandalous,” saying the development brings embarrassment to the country.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine seized in France, allegedly from Ghana",
    "Ghanaian lawyer Kofi Bentil criticizes national security and accountability",
    "Six individuals, including GRA officials, denied bail in connection with case"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "International community seeing Ghana as ‘cocaine coast’ – NPP legal team member",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/international-community-seeing-ghana-as-cocaine-coast-npp-legal-team",
        "published": "2026-09-19T13:00:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "Ghana launches national plan to tackle heavy metals in food",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ghana-launches-national-plan-to-tackle-heavy-metals-in-food",
        "published": "2026-09-19T14:09:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}