Spain seized 2.6 tonnes of cocaine hidden in false-bottomed coconut crates loaded at the Tema port, and arrested two men in Almería. Read the details.

Published 11 Nov 2026, 21:33 GMTUpdated 11 Nov 2026, 21:43 GMT

3 min read

Two Arrested Over 2.6 Tonnes of Cocaine in Ghana Coconuts

Spanish authorities have seized 2.6 tonnes of cocaine hidden in two containers of coconuts that were loaded at the Tema port, and arrested two men in Almería.

The containers were loaded at Tema on August 2 and arrived in Valencia 20 days later. Customs officials and the Guardia Civil chose to inspect them because they matched a “high-risk” profile for illegal drug importation. The wooden crates used to store the coconuts had false bottoms containing packages of the type typically used to transport cocaine, and tests confirmed the white powder inside as cocaine.

Officers removed the drugs and sealed the containers, then waited for them to be collected. Two lorries arrived, and the cargo was loaded into them and followed to Almería. The lorries were refrigerated and went to a warehouse at the La Juaida industrial estate. As unloading began, officers detained the drugs importer and the person in charge of unloading.

The operation took place in August, but authorities only released details on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It was a joint operation between the Guardia Civil and the Customs Surveillance Service of Spain’s Tax Agency.

The Spanish reports do not say whether any suspects have been identified in Ghana, whether Ghanaian authorities were involved, or where in the supply chain the drugs were placed inside the crates. The detail confirmed so far is that the containers left Ghana’s main seaport (Tema Port).

A run of cases linked to Ghana

The seizure comes after several recent cocaine cases involving Ghana, reported by 3News in recent times:

On 31 October, Lebanese customs seized 46.7kg of cocaine at Beirut airport from a Syrian passenger who had travelled from Accra. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) later arrested a Syrian, a Tunisian, and a Lebanese national in Ghana over the shipment. Read: NACOC arrests three foreigners over 46.7kg cocaine seized in Beirut 3news
In September, French customs at Dunkirk reportedly seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a container of plastic waste that had left Ghana. NACOC said it had arrested three suspects it linked to Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers. Read: France cocaine seizure: We believe there could be more arrests in Ghana, NACOC 3news 3news
On 5 August, Tema police seized 866 parcels of suspected cocaine concealed in sacks of gari at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave. Read: Minority demands probe into Ghana’s alleged emergence as narcotics transit hub 3news

Evans EffahEvans Effah is a digital media expert with 10+ years of experience in content creation, audience growth, and media relations. He is the Online Editor at 3News.com. Contact: evans.effah@mg.com.gh

Video: 2.6 tonnes of cocaine in coconuts from Tema seized in Spain

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