The Tema Regional Police Command has intercepted an outboard-powered wooden canoe carrying 29 sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp on the River Volta near Tuanikopey Island.
The interception was carried out by the Marine Police Detachment at Ada during a routine patrol at about 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 18, and signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the Tema Regional Police Command, ASP Dede Dzakpasu, the police said the occupants abandoned the canoe and fled after spotting the patrol team.
A search of the abandoned canoe led to the discovery of 29 sacks containing 2,213 slabs of dried leaves wrapped in yellow cellotape.
The police also found 14 25-litre gallons, 12 of which contained premixed fuel, as well as two Yamaha outboard motors—one with a 40-horsepower engine and the other with 30 horsepower.
The suspected narcotic substances have since been conveyed to the Ada District Police Headquarters, while arrangements are underway to transport the outboard motors and premixed fuel to the station for further investigation.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the individuals who abandoned the canoe and its contents.
The police have cautioned the public against engaging in the trafficking and transportation of narcotic substances and appealed to anyone with information on the owners or occupants of the canoe to report to the nearest police station.
The Command said such information would assist ongoing investigations.
