US Army Major Convicted for Smuggling Guns to Ghana Disguised as Rice and Household Items

Kojo Owusu Dartey, a Major in the United States Army, was convicted by a jury for his involvement in smuggling guns to Ghana. These guns were hidden inside barrels filled with rice and other household items.

At 42 years old and based at Fort Liberty, Dartey is now facing up to 20 years in prison, with his sentencing set for July 23, 2024. His conviction is the result of a collaborative investigation by American and Ghanaian authorities into a global gun smuggling ring.

Dartey faced several charges, including unauthorized firearm dealing, failing to notify the carrier of firearms shipment, smuggling from the US, exporting firearms without a license, lying to a US agency, false court declarations, and conspiracy.

Michael Easley, a US Attorney, thanked Ghanaian officials for their help, particularly praising the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Attorney-General of Ghana’s International Cooperation Unit.

He also recognized the efforts of the DEA, FBI agents in Accra, and the US Justice Department’s International Affairs Office.

Toni M. Crosby, an ATF Special Agent, highlighted the dangers of gun trafficking to public safety and lauded the investigation for stopping these weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

Evidence from the court showed that Dartey bought seven guns at Fort Liberty and had a Staff Sergeant at Fort Campbell buy three more for him between June 28 and July 2, 2021.

These weapons, which included handguns, an AR15, large magazines, suppressors, and a shotgun, were shipped from Baltimore to Tema, Ghana, hidden in barrels.

The Ghana Revenue Authority found the guns, leading to a joint operation by US agencies. At the same time, Dartey gave false testimony in another trial, which resulted in more charges against him.

The ATF, Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the US Commerce Department’s Export Enforcement Office conducted the investigation. Assistant US Attorney Gabriel J. Diaz led the prosecution with help from David Ryan, a DOJ Counterintelligence and Export Control expert.

Chief US District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the jury’s decision.