Omanghana
The Riverine Command of the Ghana Navy has intercepted a local canoe allegedly being used to smuggle 59 sacks of suspected marijuana during an intelligence-led anti-narcotics operation at the Ada estuary in the Greater Accra Region.
The maritime operation was conducted at about 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts by Ghana’s security agencies to combat drug trafficking and illegal activities along the country’s waterways.
Navy Patrol Team Foils Smuggling Attempt
According to security officials, naval patrol teams detected a large local canoe navigating through the Ada estuary with the apparent intention of moving into open waters.
The patrol team moved swiftly to intercept the vessel, preventing the suspected smugglers from completing their journey.
However, upon noticing the approaching naval vessel, the individuals operating the canoe abandoned it and reportedly escaped by jumping into the water and swimming away.
The suspects managed to evade immediate capture, but the canoe and its contents were secured by the Navy.
59 Sacks of Suspected Marijuana Recovered
A thorough search of the abandoned canoe uncovered a significant quantity of suspected narcotics and other items believed to have been used in the smuggling operation.
Items recovered included:
- 59 sacks of suspected marijuana.
- Twenty-four 25-litre fuel containers.
- Two 40-horsepower outboard motors.
- One Tecno mobile phone.
- One Voter’s Identification card.
Security officials believe the recovered materials could provide important leads in identifying the individuals behind the attempted maritime drug shipment.
Evidence Handed Over to NACOC
Following the successful interception, the Ghana Navy transferred the suspected narcotics and other recovered items to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for further examination and forensic analysis.
NACOC is expected to conduct detailed testing to confirm the nature of the substances and support possible legal proceedings.
The recovered phone and identification documents will also form part of ongoing investigations into the identities and networks connected to the suspected smuggling operation.
Joint Efforts to Track Escaped Suspects
Intelligence units and local police authorities have commenced follow-up operations aimed at identifying and arresting the suspects who escaped during the interception.
Investigators are expected to verify information linked to the recovered Voter’s ID card while tracing possible connections to wider narcotics networks operating along Ghana’s coastal areas.
Strengthening Maritime Security
The latest interception highlights the continued role of the Ghana Navy in protecting the country’s territorial waters and supporting national efforts against illegal activities, including drug trafficking.
Security authorities have increased surveillance along coastal and riverine routes, which are sometimes exploited by criminal networks to transport illicit goods.
The Ghana Navy said it remains committed to working with other security agencies to disrupt narcotics trafficking and ensure the safety of Ghana’s maritime environment.
Source: Omanghana
