Crime & Punishment of Sunday, 29 March 2026

Ghana Navy intercepts canoe with 37 sacks of suspected Indian hemp

The Ghana Navy has intercepted a canoe carrying suspected narcotics during a maritime interdiction operation at Goi, near Sege in the Greater Accra Region.

According to a statement released on March 29, 2026, the operation took place on March 27, 2026, after the Navy acted on credible intelligence about a suspected drug trafficking attempt at sea.

Personnel from the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) tracked and pursued the canoe as it approached the shoreline. The suspects reportedly attempted to beach the vessel upon detecting the operatives but abandoned the canoe and fled the scene. No arrests were made.

Police intercept over GH¢1.4m worth of suspected cannabis

A search of the intercepted canoe revealed 37 sacks containing a compressed substance suspected to be Indian hemp. Preliminary checks by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) indicated that each sack contained an estimated 70 parcels of the substance, suggesting a substantial haul.

In addition to the suspected drugs, officers retrieved two gallons of premix fuel, five empty gallons, and an outboard motor from the canoe.

The vessel and all recovered items were secured and transported to the Tema Fishing Harbour, where they were officially handed over to NACOC for forensic analysis, detailed inventory, and continued investigations in line with established procedures.

Authorities say the interception underscores ongoing efforts by the Ghana Navy to monitor and secure the country’s territorial waters against illicit activities, particularly drug trafficking.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime space and noted that it will continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to disrupt and prevent criminal networks operating at sea.