3 Remanded Over Alleged Smuggling of 869 Cocaine Slabs Hidden in Gari

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded three people into custody over the alleged attempt to smuggle 869 slabs of suspected cocaine concealed in bags of gari and cassava powder in Tema.

The accused are *Gilano Jorgino Holwin*, a Dutch security guard; *Alhaji Iddrisu Haruna, 56*, a transporter; and *John Mensah Sarbah, 41*, a clearing agent.

Presiding judge *Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah* refused their bail applications and ordered them to remain in lawful custody. All three have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit unlawful control of narcotic drugs, unlawful control of narcotic drugs, and engaging in prohibited narcotic-related business.

Prosecutor *ASP Emmanuel Haligah* opposed bail, telling the court that investigations are still ongoing.

According to the prosecution, on *August 5, 2026 at about 7:30pm*, officers from the Tema Regional Criminal Investigations Department acted on intelligence and went to the Golden Suvineur warehouse at the Tema Main Harbour.

There, the three were found loading white sacks of gari and cassava powder into a DAF truck with registration *WR 1118-10*. A search revealed *869 slabs of suspected narcotics* hidden inside the food bags.

During questioning, ASP Haligah said Holwin, a resident of Cantonments, admitted ownership of the drugs and told police that Haruna of North Legon and Sarbah of Nungua were helping him export them to *London, UK*.

The exhibits have since been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for testing and a report.

The case has been adjourned as investigations continue.