Ghana has come under renewed international scrutiny following a series of illicit drug seizures involving shipments reportedly originating from the country, raising concerns about the use of Ghana as a transit point in international narcotics trafficking.
Since 2025, narcotics reportedly linked to shipments that passed through Ghanaian ports and were intercepted locally or abroad have recorded an estimated street value of more than US$914 million.
The seizures include a major US$350 million drug bust in March 2025, a US$296 million methamphetamine seizure in April 2026, a US$6.9 million narcotics interception in August 2026, and the latest US$261.45 million cocaine seizure in France in September 2026.
France Seizes US$261 Million Cocaine Shipment From Ghana
French authorities have seized approximately 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of €225 million (US$261.45 million) at the northern port of Dunkirk.
The seizure was carried out by French Customs officers on Thursday, September 10, 2026, as part of an operation targeting an alleged international drug trafficking network.
According to France’s Organised Crime Prosecutor’s Office, the cocaine was hidden inside a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana. The shipment was reportedly destined partly for Antwerp in Belgium.
French authorities have since destroyed the seized cocaine, while prosecutors have launched an investigation into the shipment and the criminal network allegedly responsible.
The operation followed a targeted investigation by the judicial police into a suspected organised crime group involved in the international trafficking of narcotics.
Those being investigated could face charges relating to the organised importation of narcotics and participation in a criminal association, offences that can attract prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Ghana’s Role Under Investigation
The seizure of a container originating from Ghana does not, by itself, establish that the Ghanaian government, Ghanaian Customs officials, shipping companies or Ghana-based businesses were involved in the alleged drug trafficking operation.
However, the French investigation could provide important information about the route used by the cocaine shipment and whether other consignments may have travelled through similar channels.
The latest interception also highlights the growing efforts by European law enforcement agencies to disrupt international cocaine trafficking networks and prevent large quantities of narcotics from reaching European markets.
French Customs reported seizing 108.81 tonnes of narcotics across France in 2025, covering various types of illegal drugs, with an estimated value of €2.197 billion.
Australia Intercepts US$208 Million Meth Shipment From Ghana
The French cocaine seizure follows another major international drug trafficking case involving a shipment from Ghana.
In Australia, three people were charged after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force intercepted approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a shipment from Ghana.
The drugs were estimated to have a street value of approximately A$296 million (US$208 million).
According to the AFP, the seizure prevented an estimated 3.2 million individual drug deals from reaching Australian streets.
The investigation began in April 2026 after Australian Border Force officers detected irregularities in two shipping containers that had arrived at Sydney’s Port Botany from Ghana.
The containers had reportedly been declared as carrying bags of charcoal. However, an X-ray examination revealed a suspicious white crystalline substance, which preliminary testing identified as methamphetamine.
AFP said the operation demonstrated the ability of Australian authorities and their international partners to work across borders to disrupt organised drug trafficking.
Australian Border Force Superintendent Jared Leighton said criminal syndicates were increasingly using sophisticated methods to conceal illegal drugs in legitimate commercial shipments.
Authorities said law enforcement agencies would continue working with international partners to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs.
British Actress Charged in Australia Drug Case
A British actress who has appeared in an EastEnders spin-off and a film featuring actor Jason Statham was also charged in connection with the alleged failed importation of methamphetamine.
Emaa Hussen, 34, appeared before a court in Sydney and was charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Australia.
Investigators allege that Hussen attended the facility where the shipment arrived and supervised a group of men who unpacked the container.
Several bags were subsequently placed into a vehicle and transported to a property in Blacktown.
The case remains under investigation as Australian authorities continue efforts to identify all individuals allegedly connected to the international drug trafficking operation.
The series of drug seizures has renewed attention on Ghana’s position within global shipping and trade routes, while also highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation, port security and intelligence-led measures to prevent illicit drugs from being trafficked through Ghana to overseas markets.
Source: newsthemegh.com