Police in the Ghana Police Service have arrested five people following the interception of a large haul of restricted drugs and an alleged attempt to bribe officers with ₵50,000 during ongoing investigations.
The arrests followed a February 13, 2026 operation by officers in the Ashanti South Region, who stopped a red OA-registered KIA Grandbird bus at the Tweapease Police barrier along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway. A search of the vehicle uncovered 257 packs of tramadol and 58 packs of tapentadol, commonly referred to as “Royal,” concealed on the bus and reportedly bound for Ayamfuri near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region.
Briefing the media in Bekwai on Monday, February 16, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, said the driver, Joseph Nkrumah, was immediately arrested. During interrogation, the driver allegedly mentioned a woman identified as Perpetual as being linked to the drug consignment.
DCOP Nyaaba revealed that while investigations were still ongoing, four individuals—Perpetual and three others identified as Diana Mensah (40), Abena Neyea (43), and Nana Akua—returned to the Tweapease Police barrier on February 14, 2026. They allegedly attempted to influence the investigation by offering officers ₵50,000.
“The money was received strictly for evidential purposes,” the Regional Commander stressed, adding that all four were promptly arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five.
The suspects were arraigned before court on Monday, February 16, 2026, and charged under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which criminalises the unlawful sale, distribution, and transportation of restricted drugs and related substances.
Police say investigations are continuing to identify the source and intended distribution network of the drugs.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has meanwhile issued a stern warning to criminal networks, assuring the public that surveillance and highway operations will be intensified.
“This region will be made increasingly hostile to illicit activities,” DCOP Nyaaba cautioned, urging offenders to desist as law enforcement tightens its grip on drug trafficking and related crimes.
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Source: Africa Publicity
