Some of the seized gallons
The Western Naval Command in the Western Region has cautioned the public against engaging in illegal fuel bunkering activities.
The Command noted that such acts pose serious threats to maritime security, the environment, and adversely affect national revenue.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Commodore Samuel Ayelazono gave the warning after officers of the Command had seized about 75 gallons of suspected diesel fuel during an operation.
The gallons allegedly belonged to persons engaged in the illegal activities.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out at the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on Tuesday.
The operation followed intelligence received by the Command regarding an ongoing fuel transaction at the harbour.
After receiving the information, the Command’s Operations Officer, Commander Joshua MacSimpiney, led a team of operatives to the scene to investigate.
On arrival, the team found the suspected fuel being offloaded from a canoe.
The products were immediately seized and together with the canoe sent to the Naval Base in Sekondi.
The FOC explained that illegal bunkering undermines legitimate businesses, endangers lives at sea, and contributes to marine pollution, with adverse effects on coastal and fishing communities.
He assured the public of the Command’s resolve to intensify intelligence-led operations to curb all forms of maritime crime within its area of responsibility.
He mentioned that all relevant stakeholders, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), were duly informed and invited to the Base.
“The rest included National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Marine Police, the National Intelligence Bureau, and National Security,” he pointed out.
It was revealed that the seized products were taken by the NPA for forensic analysis to ascertain its composition and quality as part of ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, two suspects who were arrested at the scene were later handed over to the marine police for further interrogation.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi