According to the video shared on twitter today Monday evening by CITI FM, Police officers at Kotoka International Airport in Accra arrested a Dubai national found carrying three live snakes and fake currency totaling GH₵789 million.
The arrest took place after airport security officials noticed suspicious behavior from the foreign traveler as he attempted to pass through customs.
Following a thorough inspection of his belongings, the authorities discovered the snakes, hidden within containers, and stacks of counterfeit money disguised as legitimate cash.
According to a statement from the airport police, the arrest was part of heightened security efforts to curb illegal activities at Kotoka International.
“Our team identified unusual behavior from the suspect during routine checks,” stated a police spokesperson. “Upon searching his luggage, we found the live snakes concealed in boxes and what appeared to be GH₵789 million in fake bills.”
The man’s intent with the snakes remains under investigation, though authorities suspect they might have been used as a means to intimidate or distract others, particularly during transactions involving the counterfeit money.
“It’s likely the snakes were part of a scheme to confuse or frighten individuals, especially in high-stakes transactions,” the spokesperson noted.
The large quantity of fake cash, carefully stacked in bundles of different denominations, was sophisticated enough to potentially deceive unsuspecting victims.
Initial investigations indicate that the counterfeit bills were crafted to closely resemble genuine Ghanaian currency, raising suspicions that the suspect might have been part of a larger network attempting to circulate fake money in the local economy.
During questioning, the Dubai national reportedly refused to explain the origin of the counterfeit cash or the presence of the snakes.
Investigators are currently working with international agencies to determine if he has connections to other criminal networks.
Officials believe this incident could be part of a broader scheme targeting Ghana and other African countries, where similar cases of counterfeit currency have been reported in recent years.
Kotoka International Airport’s security team emphasized their commitment to maintaining strict monitoring processes to prevent the entry of illegal or harmful items.
“This arrest underscores the need for constant vigilance at our airports. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of Ghanaian citizens and visitors alike,” a senior customs official
Discussion about this post