The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects in connection with the seizure of 1,600 parcels of suspected Indian hemp, and also uncovered a brazen attempt to bribe officers with GHC100,000.
A statement issued on May 10 by the Public Affairs Unit of the Eastern Regional Police Command indicated that the operation was triggered by a tip-off about narcotics stored at a location in Akosombo-Bonya.
Acting on the intelligence, the police mounted surveillance near Krobo Girls Senior High School, where they intercepted a Hyundai Rhino truck with registration number GR 5724-15.
Officers discreetly tracked the vehicle to a secluded area near the Atua Government Hospital, where suspects were observed transferring sacks from the Hyundai truck into a tipper truck bearing registration number GN 7948-21.
When police moved in, the initial group of suspects fled into a nearby bush, abandoning both vehicles and their cargo. Security personnel secured the scene and took possession of the consignment.
Shortly after the seizure, a 39-year-old welder and resident of Atua approached the officers, claiming ownership of the vehicles and the illegal shipment, which he allegedly stated was destined for Nigeria.
In an attempt to derail the investigation, the suspect reportedly offered the officers a bribe of GHC100,000.
Police feigned interest in gathering evidence, during which the suspect transferred GHC90,000 via Mobile Money and handed over an additional GHC10,000 in cash.
Upon receipt of the funds, backup personnel from the Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) and the Odumase Police moved in to arrest him.
Two other accomplices who later resurfaced at the Regional Headquarters were also apprehended.
All three suspects, along with the seized vehicles and narcotics, have been transferred to the Regional Criminal Investigation Department (RCID) for further processing and investigation.
