By GraceZigah
A major suspected drug trafficking operation along the Volta Lake has been disrupted after Marine Police officers intercepted a canoe carrying 3,752 slabs of suspected Indian hemp at Agorta Island in the Ada area of the Greater Accra Region.
The occupants of the canoe reportedly escaped into the river after encountering the police team during an intelligence-led operation on November 4, 2026, abandoning the vessel and its cargo, which included 53 sacks containing the suspected narcotic substances.
The seizure, announced by the Tema Regional Police Command on Wednesday, November 11, represents another major interception involving the transportation of suspected illicit drugs through Ghana’s waterways.
Apart from the suspected narcotics, police recovered two outboard motors, 30 yellow gallons containing petrol and premix fuel, a cutlass and other articles believed to have been used in transporting the consignment.
According to the police, the operation followed intelligence that a large quantity of suspected narcotic drugs was being moved from Jemeniweres through the Volta Lake towards Ada.
Acting on the information, Marine Police personnel initially proceeded to Mepe in the Volta Region in an attempt to intercept the suspected traffickers.However, upon arriving at the location, officers discovered that the individuals had already fled in their canoes.
The police team subsequently redirected its operation towards Big Ada, where it continued the search for the suspected drug traffickers.
Midnight Interception at Agorta Island
The pursuit eventually led officers to Agorta Island in Ada, where the canoe was intercepted at approximately 11:10 p.m. on November 4.Police said the occupants managed to escape into the river when officers moved to intercept them, leaving behind the canoe and its contents.
The Marine Police subsequently retrieved the abandoned vessel and transported it, together with the suspected narcotics and other items, to the Marine Police Base at Ada.
A further examination of the 53 sacks was conducted on November 5 at the Regional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Tema.
The search revealed 3,752 compressed slabs of dried leaves, carefully wrapped in cello tape and suspected to be Indian hemp.The suspected narcotic substances have since been secured as exhibits pending further examination.
No Suspects Arrested as Investigations Continue
Despite the recovery of the large consignment, the police have not made any arrests in connection with the operation.
The Tema Regional Police Command says investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals responsible for transporting the suspected drugs and establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted movement of the consignment through the Volta Lake.
