Ghana police seize suspected $6.9m cocaine shipment hidden in gari sacks

The Ghana Police Service has intercepted 866 parcels of suspected cocaine concealed in gari sacks inside a 40-foot shipping container at a warehouse in the Tema Harbour enclave.

The consignment was allegedly being prepared for export when police, acting on intelligence, moved in on 6 August. Officers from the Tema Regional Police Command had received information that parcels containing a white powdered substance were being loaded into the container.

Three people were found at the warehouse allegedly supervising the 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.

The three men, along with the truck and container, were taken to the Tema Regional Police Headquarters for further investigation.

“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.”

Police estimate the suspected cocaine has a street value of approximately US$6,928,000.

During initial questioning, Gilano Horwin allegedly admitted that the substance was cocaine and claimed ownership of the consignment, according to the police statement.

All three suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. The seized items have been secured and will undergo forensic examination to establish their precise composition and help determine the circumstances of the alleged attempted export.

Suspected Indian hemp seized at Tsopoli

In a separate anti-narcotics operation on the same day, officers from the Prampram District Police Command intercepted an Opel taxicab allegedly carrying substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The incident followed information received by Tsopoli Police at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 5 August 2026, that a taxi loaded with suspected narcotics was being pursued.

“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.

Police said two vehicles – a Hyundai H100 bus and an Opel taxicab with registration number ER 564-X – were allegedly transporting several sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The Hyundai H100 bus escaped, while the Opel taxicab turned onto the Agotor Kpatsredor Road towards Tsopoli in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest. Commercial motorcyclists in Tsopoli joined the pursuit, allowing police to stop the taxi and arrest its driver, Eric Tetteh.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of four sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. The driver, vehicle and exhibits were taken to Tsopoli Police Station.

During interrogation, Eric Tetteh allegedly admitted transporting the suspected narcotics from a village near Akuse.

Investigators believe a fifth sack from the same consignment was removed before the taxi was intercepted. Police are working to identify and arrest those responsible for taking it, as well as the occupants of the escaped Hyundai H100 bus.

Investigations into both cases are continuing. The recovered substances will be subjected to comprehensive forensic analysis to determine their exact composition and evidential value for possible prosecution.

The Ghana Police Service said it remained committed to disrupting the trafficking, movement, possession and exportation of illicit drugs through intelligence-led policing, targeted operations and cooperation with the public and other security agencies.

It appealed for credible information about the escaped Hyundai H100 bus, the missing fifth sack and any other people linked to the two cases or to narcotics trafficking.