Els: MBN360 News
The Ghana Police Service has arrested seven suspected drug traffickers and seized 1,696 compressed parcels of substances believed to be cannabis in a series of intelligence-led operations across the Oti Region within days, authorities have confirmed.
The coordinated crackdowns, carried out between 13 and 15 February, form part of an intensified campaign to dismantle smuggling networks suspected of transporting narcotics across Ghana’s borders.
In a statement signed by the Oti Regional Public Affairs Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, the Service said the operations targeted key transit routes and hideouts used by traffickers.
The first arrest occurred late on 13 February at about 11:15 pm, when a patrol team stopped a Hyundai Atos taxi along the Lekanti–Kute road.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 48 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp. The driver, Emmanuel Yao, 40, and his passenger, Felix Emulator, 37, were immediately arrested.
Dawn raid
Hours later, at about 12:45 am on 14 February, officers acted on intelligence that narcotics had been packaged at Tsikata, a suburb of Ahamansu, for shipment outside the country.
Police raided a house identified as a storage point and retrieved 166 compressed parcels wrapped in yellow masking tape and concealed in bags and sacks.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene, though they denied knowledge of the substances. A fourth suspect, Korsi Akpavi, fled during the operation and remains on the run.
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Largest bust
The biggest seizure came after days of surveillance on 15 February.
Officers intercepted a Benz cargo truck at Bodada driven by Amrado Justice Nelson, 50, with Onaneye Yussif, 25, on board. Although the truck initially appeared empty, a detailed search revealed specially modified sealed compartments beneath the cargo floor.
Inside, police discovered 1,482 compressed parcels of suspected cannabis.
Authorities said Nelson allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢80,000 to avoid arrest, but the offer was rejected.
Ongoing crackdown
Police say the latest seizures highlight persistent efforts by trafficking syndicates to use the Oti corridor as a smuggling route.
The arrests also follow another major interception earlier this month involving thousands of parcels concealed in a trailer at Dambai, signalling what security officials describe as a sustained attempt to move large volumes of narcotics through the region.
All seven suspects remain in custody assisting investigations, while the seized substances and vehicles have been retained as evidence.
The Police Service has urged residents to volunteer information that could help disrupt criminal networks, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against drug trafficking.
Reporting by Solomon Mensah-Ahiable Volta region
