Security operatives in the Upper West Region have arrested two individuals following the seizure of substances believed to be narcotic drugs at the ESP bus station in Wa.
The arrests were carried out separately as police, working alongside National Security personnel, intensify investigations into the suspected trafficking of illicit drugs through the region.
The first suspect, identified only by his popular name S.K., was taken into custody around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
He had just arrived in Wa on a commercial bus from Kumasi when he was apprehended. According to security sources, he was found in possession of a bag containing substances suspected to be narcotics.
Shortly after his arrest, S.K. allegedly began making phone calls to individuals believed to be involved in the drug trade, reportedly urging them to retrieve the seized consignment.
This development prompted security operatives to detain him while investigations continued.
Confirming the arrests to Joy News, Upper West Regional Police Commander DCOP Francis Yiribaare stated that the confiscated substances have been secured and will undergo forensic analysis to determine their exact composition.
He urged the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions.
“The case is under investigation, and we are still piecing together several elements. It would be too early to say much at this stage,” he said.
DCOP Yiribaare noted that two suspects are currently in custody, and investigators are working to determine whether others are connected to the operation.
“So far, we have two in custody, and we’re working around the clock to see if there are other individuals linked to this case. We’re also conducting forensic analysis on the substances in our possession,” he added.
He emphasised that while the substances are suspected to be narcotics, their identity can only be confirmed after laboratory tests. “Until the forensic results are out, we cannot say with 100 per cent certainty what they are,” he stated.
The Regional Police Commander assured that the suspects would be brought before the court as soon as investigations are completed, and stressed that they would not be held beyond the legally permitted period.
“As soon as possible. We do not intend to detain them any longer than the constitutional mandate allows,” he said.
The identities of the two suspects and the quantity of the seized substances have not been disclosed.
Investigators are also working to establish whether the consignment was destined for distribution in Wa or was being transported to another location.
The arrests are part of broader efforts by security agencies in the Upper West Region to combat the trafficking and distribution of suspected narcotics along commercial transport routes linking Kumasi to communities in northern Ghana.
For now, the exact nature of the seized substances remains unconfirmed, pending the outcome of forensic testing.
