The Tema Regional Police Command has seized 866 parcels of a whitish substance believed to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of US$6.9 million, during a targeted anti-drug operation.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the seizure. One of them is a 31-year-old Dutch national, who police say admitted that the suspected cocaine belonged to him.
Speaking at a press briefing in Tema on Thursday, August 6, Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Eric Asamoah Asiedu, explained that the operation followed intelligence received by the police.
According to him, officers were informed that suspected narcotics hidden inside sacks of gari were being loaded into a 40-foot container at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour area.
Police officers quickly moved to the location at about 7:50 pm on Wednesday, August 5, where they arrested three suspects. They were identified as Gilano Horwin, a Dutch national, John Mensah Sabah, 41, and Alhaji Iddris Haruna, 52. Police believe the three men were supervising the loading of the container.
When officers searched the sacks of gari, they found 866 wrapped parcels containing what is suspected to be cocaine. Police estimate that the drugs have a street value of US$6,928,000.
DCOP Asiedu said the Dutch national allegedly admitted during questioning that the shipment belonged to him and that it contained cocaine.
The seized exhibits have since been secured and sent for forensic examination to confirm the exact substance. The tests will also support ongoing investigations into where the shipment was intended to go.
In another operation carried out on the same day, police at Tsopoli intercepted an Opel taxi with registration number ER 564-X carrying four sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police said the taxi and a Hyundai H100 bus tried to escape after officers from the Akuse Police Command attempted to stop them in the Akuse area.
The chase continued until commercial motorcyclists from Osu Wem helped police block the taxi on the Agotor-Kpatsredor Road. This led to the arrest of the taxi driver, Eric Tetteh.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted transporting the suspected narcotic substance from a village near Akuse.
DCOP Asiedu said investigations are continuing to locate the Hyundai H100 bus that escaped, identify the people who were inside it, and find those believed to have removed a fifth sack from the taxi before it was intercepted.
All four suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with investigations.
The Tema Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting drug trafficking and other organised crimes. The Command has also appealed to the public to provide credible information that can help police in their efforts.
