Spain seizes 2.6 tonnes of cocaine concealed in coconut shipment from Ghana

Spanish authorities have intercepted 2.6 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a shipment of coconuts from Ghana at the Port of Valencia, leading to the arrest of 2 people suspected of involvement in the consignment.

The suspects were apprehended after investigators tracked the shipment from Valencia to a warehouse in Almería, where the containers were taken for unloading.

The cocaine was discovered in 2 containers of coconuts that had been loaded at the Port of Tema on August 2, 2026, and arrived in Valencia 20 days later.

Customs officials and the Guardia Civil flagged the containers for inspection after assessing them as high-risk consignments for drug trafficking.

A search of the cargo revealed packages of cocaine concealed beneath false compartments fitted into the wooden crates used to transport the coconuts. Subsequent tests confirmed the substance was cocaine.

Rather than immediately removing the containers from circulation, investigators extracted the drugs but kept the consignments sealed to monitor their movement and identify the individuals expected to take delivery.

The surveillance operation eventually led officers to 2 refrigerated trucks that arrived to collect the containers.

Authorities followed the vehicles to a warehouse at the La Juaida industrial estate in Almería, where the suspects were arrested while the cargo was being unloaded.

The 2 individuals were identified as the alleged importer of the cocaine and the person responsible for supervising the unloading process.

Spanish authorities announced the seizure and arrests on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.