The Ghana Navy has intercepted two large wooden boats carrying 117 sacks of substances suspected to be marijuana in an intelligence-led anti-drug trafficking operation at the Volta Lake estuary in Ada, Greater Accra Region.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, November 5, 2026, involved the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and National Security.
According to the Navy, the operation was launched at approximately 1:00 a.m. and successfully disrupted an alleged attempt by suspected drug traffickers to transport a large consignment of narcotics out of Ghana by sea.
Security officials disclosed that the two wooden vessels were discovered concealed along the riverbanks near the Ada estuary, where preparations were reportedly underway to transport the suspected drugs to Nigeria.
However, the individuals behind the operation allegedly abandoned the boats and fled after noticing the approaching naval patrol team.
Ghana Navy Discovers 117 Sacks of Suspected Marijuana
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, Naval Captain Festus Osei-Brobbey, said the abandoned boats were escorted to Ada Foah for further inspection.
He explained that the vessels were searched at approximately 5:00 a.m. in the presence of officials from NACOC.
The inspection uncovered 117 sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana. Each sack reportedly contained more than 80 tightly packed parcels, with the entire consignment estimated to weigh approximately 4.8 tonnes.
Authorities have estimated the street value of the seized substances at more than US$1 million.
Nigeria Identified as Suspected Destination
Naval Captain Osei-Brobbey further revealed that preliminary intelligence gathered by security agencies indicates that the suspected narcotics were intended for export, with Nigeria identified as the likely destination.
The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by Ghana’s security agencies to combat illicit drug trafficking and prevent the transportation of narcotics through the country’s waterways.
NACOC Takes Over Seized Drugs for Laboratory Tests
Following the operation, all 117 sacks of suspected marijuana were handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission for laboratory examination and further investigations.
The laboratory tests are expected to establish the exact composition of the seized substances, while investigators work to identify and apprehend the individuals who abandoned the two boats.
The Ghana Navy, NACOC and National Security are expected to continue their collaboration as investigations into the suspected international drug trafficking operation progress.
