Police arrest 3 suspects for possession of 1600 Indian hemp

Three suspects have been arrested by the police for possession of indiam hemp.

It followed an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the seizure of 1,600 parcels of suspected Indian hemp.

According to the police, they also foiled a GH¢100,000 bribery attempt..

In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Eastern Regional Police Command, it was explained that the police acted on a tip-off regarding narcotics stored at a place Akosombo-Bonya.

During a surveillance operation near Krobo Girls Senior High School, officers intercepted a Hyundai Rhino truck with registration number GR 5724-15 and tracked it to a secluded location near Atua Government Hospital, the police statement signed by Chief Inspector Bridget Opoku and dated May 10 said.

Interception

Police intervened as suspects were transferring sacks from the Hyundai truck into a tipper truck with registration number GN 7948-21.

Although the initial group fled into the bush, police secured both vehicles and the cargo.

Bribery attempt

Shortly after the seizure, one suspect, a 39-year-old welder and resident of Atua, according to the police approached the officers claiming ownership of the vehicles and the illegal consignment, which he stated was bound for Nigeria.

In an attempt to compromise the investigation, suspect is said to have offered the officers a bribe of GH¢100,000. Police personnel feigned interest to secure evidence of the bribery. They said the suspect transferred GH¢90,000 via Mobile Money and provided GH¢10,000 in cash.

Upon receipt of the funds, backup from the Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Odumase Police moved in to arrest the suspect.

Two additional accomplices, were also later apprehended after surfacing at the Regional Headquarters.

Ongoing investigation

The suspects and all exhibits have been handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigation Department (RCID) for further processing and investigation.