Ghana charcoal consignment leads to arrest of British actress and Adelaide couple in major Australia meth bust
A charcoal consignment shipped from Ghana has been linked to one of Australia’s largest methamphetamine seizures, resulting in the arrest of a British actress and an Adelaide-based couple, Australian authorities have confirmed.
Border officials detected anomalies in two shipping containers declared as charcoal at Sydney’s Port Botany in April 2026. X-ray scans revealed a “white crystallised substance” hidden inside sacks of charcoal. Tests later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
320kg seizure worth A$296 million
The Australian Federal Police say about 320kg of meth was concealed in the Ghana-origin shipment, with an estimated street value of A$296 million, approximately US$208 million. Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said the seizure prevented an estimated 3.2 million drug deals from reaching Australian streets.
Police removed the drugs and allowed the consignment to proceed under controlled delivery to a storage facility in Girraween, in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Actress and couple charged
Emaa Hussen, 34, a British actress known for her role as “Naz” in the EastEnders spin-off E20, appeared in a Sydney court on Thursday, charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Police allege Hussen supervised the unpacking of the container at Girraween before several bags were transported to a residence in Blacktown, where she was arrested. She was refused bail and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. She is due back in court in August.
Authorities also charged a 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man from Adelaide with allegedly using false identities to rent the storage units in Sydney where the meth was delivered. The couple were charged in April and are expected back in court in September.
Investigation continues
Australian authorities say the charcoal shipment originated from West Africa, and investigations into the wider trafficking network are ongoing. Police seized electronic devices and a notebook during the arrest of Hussen.
Officials say the case underscores how criminal syndicates conceal illicit drugs in legitimate cargo such as charcoal.
About The Author
