Ghana has deported a South Korean man in his 80s who had been on the run for more than two decades over his alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation involving drugs valued at approximately $3.6 billion.

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was returned to South Korea on October 20 following a coordinated operation involving Ghanaian authorities, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) and the Busan Coast Guard.

According to South Korean police, the man had been living in Ghana as an undocumented immigrant since around 2004 after allegedly fleeing following the arrest of his accomplices.

He is suspected of transporting cocaine on five occasions between 2002 and 2004 while serving as a supervisor aboard a deep-sea fishing vessel operating in international waters off South America.

The KNPA estimates that the shipments involved 5,385 kilogrammes of cocaine worth about 4.8 trillion South Korean won, equivalent to approximately $3.6 billion.

Investigators allege that the suspect transported the narcotics on behalf of a drug trafficking organisation and received payment for his role in the operations.

His whereabouts were established through intelligence sharing between Ghanaian and South Korean law enforcement agencies after the Busan Coast Guard placed him on Interpol’s wanted list.

The joint operation eventually led to his deportation from Ghana and return to South Korea, where he is expected to face the allegations against him.

The case highlights international efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking through cooperation among law enforcement agencies, particularly in tracking suspects who evade arrest for extended periods.

Further details about the suspect’s legal proceedings in South Korea have not been made public.