The Tema Regional Police Command has launched a manhunt for occupants of a wooden canoe who abandoned their vessel after encountering a Marine Police patrol on the River Volta.
The incident occurred around 12:45am on Thursday, September 17, 2026, near Tuanikopey Island, where officers from the Marine Police Detachment at Ada were conducting a routine patrol.
According to the Police, the occupants fled after spotting the patrol team, leaving the canoe and its contents behind.
A subsequent search uncovered **29 sacks containing 2,213 slabs of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp**, with the packages wrapped in yellow cellotape.
The canoe also contained **14 25-litre gallons**, 12 of which reportedly held pre-mixed fuel. Officers further recovered two Yamaha outboard motors, rated at 40HP and 30HP respectively.
The suspected narcotic substances have since been transported to the Ada District Police Headquarters, while arrangements are being made to convey the recovered motors and fuel to the station as part of the investigation.
The Tema Regional Police Command said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the individuals who abandoned the canoe.
Police have meanwhile appealed to anyone with information about the occupants or owners of the canoe to contact the nearest police station, while cautioning the public against the trafficking and transportation of narcotic substances.
