Ghana Navy intercepts 4.8 tonnes of marijuana at Ada estuary

The Ghana Navy's Riverine Command intercepted approximately 4.8 tonnes of suspected marijuana, valued at over US$1 million, during a night operation at the Ada estuary of the Volta Lake. The seizure occurred around 1 a.m. on November 5, when naval personnel discovered 117 sacks of the illegal substance packed into two large wooden boats. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and National Security, successfully prevented a major shipment of narcotics from being smuggled out of the country.

Upon spotting the approaching security forces, the suspects on board the vessels abandoned the boats and fled into the surrounding area. Each of the 117 sacks contained more than 80 parcels of the suspected drug, which is believed to have been destined for Nigeria. Naval Captain Festus Osei-Brobbey emphasized that the interception was the result of intelligence-led efforts to secure Ghana's maritime borders and combat organized crime along the Volta Lake.

The intercepted consignment has been handed over to NACOC for laboratory examination and further investigation. Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ada East, highlighted the area's vulnerability to drug trafficking and called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to report suspicious activities. He noted that the rising trend of drug abuse and trafficking remains a significant challenge for the district.

This operation aligns with the security priorities of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which has emphasized a commitment to enhancing maritime security and curbing the flow of illegal narcotics through Ghanaian waters. The Ghana Navy has pledged to maintain a high level of vigilance and continue its proactive patrols to deter criminal activities and protect the nation's territorial integrity.