Ghana Navy: 4.8 Tonnes Marijuana Seizure on Volta Lake Estuary

• The Ghana Navy intercepted 4.8 tonnes of suspected marijuana, valued at over US$1 million, on November 5 at the Volta Lake estuary in Ada.
• The illicit consignment, found in 117 sacks across two wooden boats, was reportedly destined for Nigeria.
• Suspects abandoned the vessels and fled upon the Navy's approach during the intelligence-led operation.
• The seized narcotics have been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for laboratory examination.
• Naval officials have pledged to intensify surveillance and cooperation to disrupt drug trafficking networks in Ghana's maritime domain.

Naval Captain Osei-Brobbey affirmed that the Navy intends to intensify its surveillance and monitoring operations to proactively identify, track, and dismantle criminal networks operating within Ghana's maritime corridors.

The Ghana Navy successfully intercepted a substantial quantity of suspected illicit narcotics, estimated at 4.8 tonnes, during an intelligence-led operation conducted in the early hours of November 5. This significant Ghana Navy drug interdiction occurred on the Volta Lake estuary at Ada, within the Greater Accra Region. Naval personnel from the Riverine Command discovered two large wooden boats, which were concealed along the riverbanks and appeared to be in the final stages of preparing to transport the contraband.

The vessels were laden with 117 sacks, each containing approximately 80 packs of suspected marijuana. The total street value of this seized consignment is estimated to exceed US$1 million. Upon the approach of the naval patrol team, the individuals involved in the operation abandoned the boats and fled the scene, evading immediate capture. Following the initial interception, the boats were relocated to Ada Foah, where a thorough search was conducted around 5 a.m. in the presence of officials from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

Naval Captain Festus Osei-Brobbey, serving as the Director of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, confirmed that the intercepted substances have been transferred to the Narcotics Control Commission Ghana for comprehensive laboratory analysis. Captain Osei-Brobbey characterized this 4.8 tonnes marijuana seizure as potentially the largest such interception by the Navy in recent memory, noting a previous operation in July that yielded approximately 60 sacks of suspected marijuana. This operation underscores the Ghana Navy's unwavering commitment to combating illicit activities across Ghana's expansive maritime domain.

The Navy's actions align with President John Dramani Mahama's firm zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. This successful interdiction also significantly bolsters national efforts aimed at enhancing border security, fostering greater inter-agency cooperation among security forces, and preventing Ghana from being exploited as a transit hub for illegal substances destined for other nations, specifically Nigeria in this instance. The ongoing efforts are crucial for safeguarding the country's territorial waters against Ghana maritime drug trafficking.

In light of the recent Volta Lake estuary marijuana bust, Naval Captain Osei-Brobbey issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in drug trafficking, including financiers, sponsors, and organizers. He affirmed that the Navy intends to intensify its surveillance and monitoring operations to proactively identify, track, and dismantle criminal networks operating within Ghana's maritime corridors. The Navy is committed to collaborating continuously with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect Ghana's waters from drug trafficking and other unlawful activities, and appealed to the public for credible and actionable information to support these efforts.

Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ada East, also addressed the press, highlighting the escalating problem of drug abuse and its detrimental effects on local families and communities. He emphasized that Ada's unique geographical position, with its extensive river and sea connections, necessitates heightened vigilance to prevent these waterways from being exploited for illegal purposes.

Mr. Kanor advocated for enhanced cooperation between the district assembly, security agencies, and the central government to effectively counter drug trafficking and ensure the protection of the area's vital waterways.

Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients involved in maritime logistics or trade in Ghana to review their supply chain integrity and due diligence processes, particularly for operations around the Volta Lake estuary, due to the Ghana Navy's stated intent to intensify surveillance and disrupt criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

Source: Original reporting via graphic.com.gh