The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested a 43 year old freight forwarder in Tema in connection with the seizure of approximately 2.6 tonnes of cocaine by Spanish authorities, in a major development in the investigation into the shipment of narcotics from Ghana to Europe.
The suspect, who operates a freight forwarding business at Community 1 in Tema, was arrested by NACOC officers at about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The arrest followed investigations into two shipping containers of coconuts that left Tema Port for Spain and were later found to contain a large quantity of cocaine. Corrections Policy
According to information from the ongoing investigation, preliminary findings have linked the suspect to the preparation and processing of customs documentation for the shipment.
NACOC is examining the circumstances surrounding the consignment and the possible roles played by individuals suspected of participating in the trafficking operation.
The suspect is currently in custody and assisting investigators. The Commission is also working to identify and locate other people believed to have been involved.
The arrest represents an important development in Ghana’s efforts to investigate international drug trafficking networks and establish how a significant quantity of cocaine was transported through one of the country’s major export gateways.
How the cocaine shipment was traced to Spain
The investigation centres on two containers loaded at the Port of Tema on August 2, 2026, and transported to the Port of Valencia in Spain, where they arrived on August 22.
Spanish authorities announced on November 11 that customs officers and the Civil Guard had seized 2,600 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in the shipment.
A report explained that the drugs were hidden in false compartments built into wooden boxes used to transport coconuts.
The containers had initially been declared as carrying coconuts, but Spanish customs officers identified them as high risk shipments during routine international trade checks.
Further inspection revealed false bottoms fitted into the wooden crates. Beneath these structures, officers discovered packages containing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.
The discovery led to a carefully coordinated operation involving Spain’s Tax Agency and Civil Guard. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Rather than making immediate arrests at the port, investigators removed the drugs and monitored the movement of the cargo to its intended destination.
The containers were subsequently transferred onto refrigerated lorries and transported to a warehouse in the La Juaida industrial area in Viator, Almería.
Two men were arrested as the goods were being unloaded. Spanish authorities identified them as the suspected importer of the cargo and the individual responsible for supervising its unloading.
What investigators have established in Ghana
The arrest in Tema has added a Ghanaian dimension to the investigation, which initially focused on the seizure and arrests made in Spain.
According to details reported, preliminary investigations suggest that the freight forwarder was connected to the processing of customs documentation for the shipment.
Investigators were told that an agent allegedly brought the consignment’s documentation requirements to the freight forwarding company and supplied information needed to prepare and process the customs papers on behalf of the exporters.
However, the precise extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement has not yet been established publicly. Being linked to the processing of shipping documents does not, by itself, establish knowledge of or participation in cocaine trafficking.
NACOC is expected to investigate the people and commercial arrangements behind the shipment, including the identities of the exporters, the agent who allegedly provided the documentation and any other individuals who may have facilitated the movement of the containers.
The Commission’s efforts to locate additional suspects will be important in determining whether the operation involved a wider trafficking network.
Insightghana highlights international cooperation and unanswered questions
In its November 12 coverage, A report stated that Ketu North Member of Parliament Eric Edem Agbana had disclosed that Ghanaian authorities had made arrests in connection with the Spanish cocaine seizure.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day, Agbana attributed the arrests to cooperation between NACOC and Spanish investigators. He also cautioned against releasing sensitive information prematurely, arguing that doing so could undermine ongoing investigations.
At the time of that report, NACOC had not publicly confirmed the arrests mentioned by the legislator. The Commission’s subsequent arrest of the Tema freight forwarder provides a concrete development in the Ghanaian investigation.
A source also detailed how Spanish investigators identified the shipment, discovered the cocaine and tracked the cargo to the warehouse in Almería.
Its reporting highlighted several unanswered questions, including who organised the shipment and how the narcotics were introduced into the cargo. Newscard
Those questions are now central to the investigation in Ghana.
Renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s ports
The seizure has intensified scrutiny of Ghana’s port security and export procedures, particularly following other major international drug interceptions involving consignments traced to the country.
In September 2026, French customs authorities seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had departed from Ghana.
NACOC subsequently announced arrests in Ghana as investigations into that shipment progressed.
The repeated interceptions have raised concerns about whether international trafficking organisations are exploiting legitimate export businesses and weaknesses in cargo inspection procedures. Editorial Standards
For Ghana, the implications extend beyond the criminal investigations. The country’s reputation as a reliable trading partner, the confidence of international buyers and the integrity of its shipping operations could all be affected if criminal networks continue to exploit legitimate commercial channels.
NACOC faces pressure to pursue the wider network
The arrest of the Tema freight forwarder is a significant step, but investigators still have to establish the full chain of responsibility behind the shipment.
NACOC’s ability to identify the organisers, trace the financial arrangements and work with international law enforcement agencies will be crucial to the outcome of the case.
The Commission must also ensure that individuals are treated according to the law and that allegations are supported by evidence before prosecution.
Ultimately, the investigation will be judged not only by the number of arrests made but by whether authorities can uncover the network responsible for moving the 2.6 tonne cocaine consignment from Ghana to Spain.
As investigations continue, the case has renewed attention on Tema Port and the need for stronger safeguards against the use of legitimate trade routes for international drug trafficking.