The Ghana Police Service, through intelligence-led operations in the Greater Accra Region, has intercepted a large consignment of suspected cocaine concealed in gari sacks and intended for export.
According to a statement issued on August 6, the Tema Regional Police Command received credible intelligence indicating that some individuals were loading parcels of a white powdered substance concealed in gari sacks into a 40-foot shipping container at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave.
The container was reportedly being prepared for export.
Acting promptly on the intelligence, a team of police officers proceeded to the warehouse, where they found three individuals allegedly supervising the loading operation.
“The suspects were identified as: Gilano Horwin, 31, a Dutch, John Mensah Sabah, 41; and Alhaji Iddris Haruna, 52. Upon arrival, officers observed gari sacks being loaded into the container, which was mounted on a white DAF articulated truck bearing registration number WR 1118-10,” the Police said.
It added that, “The three suspects, together with the truck and container, were escorted to the Tema Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations. A thorough search of the cargo subsequently led to the discovery of 866 parcels of a white powdered substance concealed inside the gari sacks.”
The recovered substance is suspected to be cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately US$6,928,000.
“During preliminary interrogation, suspect Gilano Horwin allegedly admitted that the substance was cocaine and claimed ownership of the consignment,” the Police stated.
The three suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations, while the recovered exhibits have been secured.
The Police have initiated the necessary forensic processes to determine the exact nature of the recovered substance and to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted exportation.
In a separate but related anti-narcotics operation on the same day, officers of the Prampram District Police Command intercepted a taxicab allegedly transporting substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“At about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 5th August 2026, the Tsopoli Police received information that a taxicab loaded with suspected narcotic substances was being pursued.
Police officers immediately responded and met an officer from the Akuse Police Command, who had initiated the pursuit with the assistance of commercial motorcyclists from Osu Wem,” the statement indicated.
Investigations indicate that two vehicles; a Hyundai H100 bus and an Opel taxicab with registration number ER 564-X were allegedly transporting several sacks containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
While the Hyundai H100 bus managed to evade arrest, the Opel taxicab diverted onto the Agotor Kpatsredor Road towards Tsopoli in an apparent attempt to escape.
Commercial motorcyclists in Tsopoli joined the pursuit, leading to the successful interception of the taxicab and the arrest of its driver, identified as Eric Tetteh.
A search conducted on the vehicle resulted in the recovery of four sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect, the vehicle, and the recovered exhibits were conveyed to the Tsopoli Police Station for further investigations.
During interrogation, Eric Tetteh allegedly admitted transporting the suspected narcotic substance from a village near Akuse.
Investigations further indicate that a fifth sack, believed to have formed part of the consignment, was removed before police intercepted the vehicle.
Police are therefore making every effort to identify and arrest the persons who allegedly took away the missing sack. Investigators are also working to trace and apprehend the occupants of the escaped Hyundai H100 bus.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into both cases are ongoing. The recovered substances will undergo comprehensive forensic examination to determine their exact composition and evidential value for prosecution.
“The Ghana Police Service remains committed to disrupting the trafficking and movement of illicit drugs through intelligence-led policing, targeted operations, and close collaboration with members of the public and other security stakeholders,” the statement further noted.
The Police cautioned individuals engaged in the trafficking, transportation, possession, or exportation of narcotic drugs that they will continue to be pursued and brought before the appropriate courts to face the full rigours of the law.
The Service further appealed to members of the public to volunteer credible information that may assist investigations, particularly regarding: the escaped Hyundai H100 bus; the individuals who allegedly removed the missing fifth sack; and any other persons connected to these cases or involved in narcotics trafficking.
“The Ghana Police Service assures the public of its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting the safety and security of all residents,” it concluded.
By Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey
