The Ghana Police Service has intercepted a major consignment of suspected cocaine valued at approximately US$6.928 million during an intelligence-led operation at the Tema Port enclave, dealing what authorities describe as one of the biggest narcotics seizures by the Tema Regional Police Command in recent years.
According to the Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Eric Asamoah Asiedu, officers acted on credible intelligence on the evening of August 5, 2026, regarding suspicious activity at a warehouse within the port enclave. Intelligence indicated that individuals were loading sacks of gari into a 40-foot shipping container for export.
Upon arriving at the warehouse, police found three men allegedly supervising the loading process. They were identified as Gilano Horwin, a 31-year-old Dutch national, John Mensah Sabah, 41, and Alhaji Iddris Haruna, 52.
866 Parcels of Suspected Cocaine Discovered
Police escorted the suspects, together with a white DAF truck transporting the cargo, to the Tema Regional Police Headquarters for further examination.
A detailed search of the shipment uncovered 866 parcels of a white powdered substance suspected to be cocaine, carefully concealed inside sacks of gari intended for export. Authorities estimate the street value of the suspected narcotics at US$6,928,000, making it one of the largest drug interceptions recorded by the regional command in recent times.
Dutch National Allegedly Claims Ownership
During preliminary investigations, police said the Dutch suspect allegedly admitted that the concealed substance was cocaine and claimed ownership of the consignment.
The three suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. The recovered exhibits have been secured and will undergo forensic examination to confirm the exact composition of the seized substance and support prosecution efforts.
The Tema Regional Police Command says investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted export, including identifying additional individuals who may have participated in the trafficking operation.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying intelligence gathering and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies to combat transnational organised crime and narcotics trafficking through Ghana’s ports.
Separate Operation Leads to Another Drug Arrest
In a related development on the same day, the Prampram District Police Command intercepted a taxi allegedly transporting substances suspected to be Indian hemp at Tsopoli following a police pursuit.
According to police, the operation resulted in the arrest of the taxi driver, while another vehicle believed to have been involved in the transportation escaped. Investigations into that case are also ongoing.
Strengthening Ghana’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking
The latest seizure highlights the continued efforts of the Ghana Police Service to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks using Ghana as a transit point for international narcotics shipments.
Security experts say sustained intelligence-led operations, tighter port surveillance, and collaboration among law enforcement agencies remain critical in protecting the country’s borders and maintaining the integrity of its international trade corridors.
