Spanish authorities have made a significant seizure of 2.6 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a shipment of coconuts exported from Ghana's Tema Port. The drugs were discovered in two shipping containers loaded at the Tema Port and intercepted at the Port of Valencia. According to Spain's Tax Agency and the Guardia Civil, the containers were loaded at Tema on August 2, 2026, and arrived in Valencia 20 days later.
The containers were selected for inspection after being identified as high-risk consignments during routine monitoring of international cargo. A search uncovered packages of cocaine concealed beneath false bottoms fitted into the wooden crates used to transport the coconuts. Tests subsequently confirmed that the white powder was cocaine.
Rather than conclude the operation at the port, investigators removed the drugs but left the containers sealed to monitor the consignment and identify those expected to take delivery. Their surveillance led them to two refrigerated trucks that arrived to collect the containers. Officers followed the vehicles to a warehouse at the La Juaida industrial estate in Almería.
Two men were arrested as the cargo was being unloaded, identified as the suspected importer of the drugs and the individual responsible for supervising the unloading. The operation was jointly conducted by Spain's Customs Surveillance Service and the Guardia Civil. Details of the seizure were announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
This seizure adds to a series of significant drug seizures overseas involving shipments originating from Ghana, raising further concerns about the exploitation of the country's ports by international trafficking networks. In September 2026, French customs officials seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana at the Port of Dunkirk.
The consignment was estimated to be worth approximately €225 million, equivalent to about US$261 million. The discovery prompted investigations in Ghana, with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) announcing the arrest of three suspects. Several other individuals were subsequently arrested and put before the courts over their alleged involvement in the shipment.
The latest cases follow several major interceptions involving Ghanaian shipments in Europe in 2025. The incidents highlight the growing concern about Ghana's ports being used by international trafficking networks.
Key points
- 2.6 tonnes of cocaine was intercepted in Spain, originating from Ghana's Tema Port.
- The seizure is part of a growing list of major overseas drug seizures involving consignments traced to Ghana's ports.
- Investigations and arrests have been made in connection with the seizures, including by Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission.
