The Ghana Navy has intercepted two boats transporting approximately 4.8 tonnes of suspected marijuana during an intelligence-led operation on the Volta Lake, in what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking through the country’s inland waterways.
The consignment, reportedly destined for Nigeria, is estimated to have a street value exceeding US$1 million.
The operation was carried out by the Riverine Command of the Ghana Navy at about 0100 hours, following intelligence that led naval personnel to the suspected drug transportation activity on the lake.
Naval Captain Festus Osei-Brobbey, Director of Naval Operations at the Naval Headquarters, disclosed the interception during a press briefing at Ada.
According to him, the operation resulted in the seizure of two boats carrying 117 sacks of suspected narcotics, with each sack containing approximately 80 packs of the substance.
The total quantity is estimated at about 4.8 tonnes, making the seizure a significant interception in the fight against drug trafficking within Ghana’s maritime and inland waterway corridors.
The suspected marijuana was allegedly being transported through the Volta Lake for onward delivery to Nigeria, suggesting that the waterway may have been used as part of a cross-border trafficking route.
The successful operation underscores the importance of intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated naval patrols in identifying and disrupting illicit activities along Ghana’s waterways.
The Volta Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, serves as an important transportation and economic corridor for communities across several parts of Ghana. Its extensive network of waterways, however, also presents security and monitoring challenges for law enforcement agencies.
The interception highlights the role of the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command in protecting the country’s inland waterways and preventing their exploitation by criminal networks.
The seizure is also expected to draw attention to the need for sustained security operations and stronger collaboration among relevant agencies to tackle the trafficking of prohibited substances across national borders.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the operation, including the identities of those behind the shipment and any arrests or investigations arising from the seizure.
Meanwhile, the suspected narcotics remain subject to the relevant investigative and legal processes.
By 1960news.com
