Police arrest three, seize GH¢69,000 bribe after intercepting suspected narcotics in Western Region
Three men are in police custody after officers in the Western Region intercepted two trucks carrying 152 bales of dried leaves suspected to be narcotics. The operation also led to the arrest of two suspects who allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢69,000 to secure the release of the vehicles.
The incident occurred on February 22, 2026, at about 5:20 p.m., when officers stationed at the Assorkor barrier near Shama stopped a Kia Rhino truck with registration number GE 8965-12.
The truck was loaded with the suspected narcotics. Before officers could take control of the situation, the occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled.
Later, Mr Moses Kwaku Tawiah, 44, returned to the barrier and identified himself as linked to the truck.
He told officers the vehicle belonged to his brother and pleaded for its release. Police arrested him on the spot.
During interrogation, Mr Tawiah told investigators he was in charge of a second truck, a gold Hyundai with registration number GS 3368-17. He said the vehicle, also loaded with similar substances, had been parked at a block factory at Nkroful near Sekondi.
Police followed him to the location and found the truck as described.
Investigators said each of the 152 bales contained about 80 slabs of a compressed substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.
At about 2:00 a.m. on February 23, 2026, two other men, Mr Isaac Kwame Kontor, 44, and Mr Kwabena Forson, 55, arrived at the Assorkor barrier with GH¢69,000 in cash.
Police said the two men offered the money in an attempt to have the trucks released. Officers accepted the cash as evidence and arrested them.
All three suspects remain in custody, assisting with investigations.
The two trucks have been impounded, while the GH¢69,000 has been retained as evidence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, the Western Regional Police Command said it would continue efforts to deal with drug trafficking and related offences in the region.
