Spain intercepts 2.6 tonnes of cocaine shipped from Tema Port

Spanish authorities have apprehended 2.6 tonnes of cocaine concealed within coconut shipments originating from Tema Port, Ghana. The illicit drugs were unearthed during an inspection of two shipping containers that departed Tema Port on August 2 and arrived at the Spanish port of Valencia 20 days later. The containers were flagged for a thorough examination due to their potential involvement in drug trafficking.

Upon inspecting the cargo, customs officials discovered that the coconuts were transported in wooden crates with false bottoms, used to conceal packages of white powder. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine. Subsequently, two individuals were detained in Villar (Almería) following the tracking of the shipment. A joint operation involving Spain's Guardia Civil and the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency led to the seizure.

The investigators preserved the drugs, resealed the cargo, and monitored the anticipated recipients of the shipment, which eventually led to the arrest of two more individuals - the suspected importer of the drugs and the individual in charge of unloading the containers at a warehouse in Almería. The seizure was announced on November 11, 2026.

This incident underscores the use of legitimate commercial cargo as a cover for smuggling illicit drugs across international borders, with the cocaine having traversed Ghana's largest seaport before reaching Spain. As of now, Spanish authorities have not provided any information regarding the identification of suspects in Ghana or the involvement of Ghanaian law enforcement in the investigation.