A 31-year-old Dutch national, Gilano Owin, has been arrested by the Tema Regional Police Command over the attempted export of suspected cocaine worth $6.928 million through the Tema Harbour.

Owin was arrested together with two Ghanaians, John Mensah Sarbah, 41, and Alhaji Iddris Haruna, 52, following an intelligence-led operation at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave.

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Addressing the media on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Eric Asamoah Asiedu, said the suspects were allegedly supervising the loading of sacks of gari into a container mounted on a truck when the police moved in.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, a team of police officers proceeded to the warehouse where they met three persons, namely Gilano Owin, aged 31, a Dutch national; John Mensah Sarbah, aged 41; and Alhaji Iddris Haruna, aged 52, allegedly supervising the loading operation. Police observed that the sacks of gari were being loaded into the container, which was mounted on a white DAF truck bearing registration number WR1118-10,” he said.

DCOP Asiedu said the suspects and the truck were taken to the Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations.



He explained that a search of the sacks of gari led to the discovery of 866 parcels of a white substance suspected to be cocaine concealed inside them.

“The three persons, together with the truck, were brought to the Regional Headquarters for further investigation. A search of the sacks of gari subsequently led to the recovery of 866 parcels of a white substance suspected to be cocaine, with a street value of $6,928,000,” he stated.

According to the police, the Dutch national admitted during interrogation that the substance was cocaine and allegedly claimed ownership of it.

The three suspects have since been detained to assist with investigations.

“During interrogation, suspect Gilano Owin allegedly stated that the substance was cocaine and claimed ownership of same. The three suspects have been detained to assist investigations, while the recovered exhibits have been secured for evidential purposes,” he said.

Suspected cocaine hidden in gari sacks intercepted at Tema Port enclave

“The command is taking the necessary steps to subject the recovered substance to the appropriate forensic examination to establish its exact nature and to further determine the circumstances surrounding its intended export,” DCOP Asiedu added.



MAG/MA

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