An early morning intelligence operation by the Western Naval Command has led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 75 gallons of suspected diesel fuel at the Sekondi Fishing Harbour.
The operation took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after the Command received information around 8:30 a.m. about a suspected illegal fuel transaction ongoing at the harbour.
Acting on the tip-off, the Command Operations Officer, Commander Joshua MacSimpiney, led a team of naval personnel to the location to verify the report.
Upon arrival, the operatives found the suspected fuel being offloaded from a canoe at the harbour. The fuel, believed to be diesel, was immediately confiscated along with the canoe used in the operation.
Both items were transported to the Sekondi Naval Base for further examination as investigations began.
Two individuals found at the scene were arrested and are currently assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations.
According to the Navy, samples of the seized product have been taken by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for forensic analysis to determine its composition and quality.
Speaking after the operation, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, warned the public against engaging in illegal fuel bunkering activities.
He explained that the illegal fuel trade not only undermines legitimate businesses but also puts lives at risk, especially within coastal and fishing communities that depend on the sea for survival.
The Command has assured the public that intelligence-led operations will continue across its area of responsibility to clamp down on maritime crime.
Relevant institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division, CID, Marine Police, National Petroleum Authority, National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and National Security, have all been notified and involved in the process.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Marine Police for further interrogation.
