US Customs's investigation traps Ghanaians arming unit at home

United States customs agents are trying to identify a political group, the Ghana Democratic Movement, linked to three Ghanaian nationals arrested for allegedly conspiring to purchase missiles and other weapons for a 100-member military force in the African nation. One of those arrested, Joseph Henry Mensah, of London, was carrying a blue booklet identifying him as a member of the Ghana Democratic Movement, which investigators believe was to receive the weapons, according to special agent Art Stiffel.

Mr. Mensah and two resident aliens of the US, John Andrews Boateng and Kwasi John Baidoo, were arrested Sunday as they left a meeting with an undercover agent -- pretending to be an arms dealer selling to revolutionary movements -- near Newark International Airport.

Agent Stiffel said the three were charged with conspiracy and violating the Arms Export Act. They were to be arraigned in federal court on Monday. The charges are the result of an investigation that began four months ago when ``an internal source'' told officials that the Ghanaians were seeking to buy arms.