A Dutch national and two other suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the discovery of 866 parcels of a white powdered substance suspected to be cocaine at the Tema Port enclave.
The consignment, which police estimate has a street value of approximately US$6.9 million, was allegedly concealed in sacks of gari and was being loaded into a 40-foot container for export.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation by the Tema Regional Police Command.
The suspects have been identified as 31-year-old Dutch national Gilano Horwin, 41-year-old John Mensah Sabah, and Alhaji Iddris Haruna.
According to the Tema Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Eric Asamoah Asiedu, the Command received intelligence at about 7:15 p.m. on August 5, 2026, that some young men were loading parcels of a white substance concealed in sacks of gari into a 40-foot container at a warehouse within the Tema Port enclave.
The police team proceeded to the location and found three men allegedly supervising the loading operation.
The container was mounted on a white DAF truck with registration number WR 1118-10. The suspects, together with the truck, were subsequently conveyed to the Tema Regional Police Headquarters.
A search of the sacks led to the recovery of 866 parcels of the white substance, which police estimate to be worth US$6,928,000.
During interrogation, police said a suspect identified as “Owin” allegedly stated that the substance was cocaine and claimed ownership of it.
However, the police briefing, as reported, names the three suspects as Gilano Horwin, John Mensah Sabah and Alhaji Iddris Haruna. The identity of “Owin” should therefore be confirmed before the statement is attributed specifically to any of the three arrested suspects.
The three suspects have been detained to assist with investigations, while the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination to determine their exact nature.
DCOP Asamoah Asiedu said investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Separate Drug Interception at Prampram
In a separate operation on the same day, the Prampram District Police intercepted a taxi allegedly transporting substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
DCOP Asamoah Asiedu said the Tsopoli Police received information at about 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026, that the taxi was being pursued.
The police subsequently moved to intercept the vehicle as investigations continued into the suspected narcotics.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah/Ahotoronline/Accra
