The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested three persons in connection with the possession and trafficking of a large consignment of suspected Indian hemp (Bonsam Tawa), after an intelligence-led operation uncovered 6,400 parcels of the illicit substance and exposed an alleged GH¢100,000 bribery attempt aimed at compromising police investigations.
According to the police, the operation was carried out on May 10, 2026 following a tip-off received by the Regional Police Intelligence Department (RPID) about narcotics allegedly being stored at Akosombo-Bonya in the Eastern Region.
Police surveillance officers monitoring activities near Krobo Girls Senior High School intercepted a Hyundai Rhino truck with registration number GR 5724-15 and discreetly tracked it to an isolated location near Atua Government Hospital.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly found a group of suspects busily transferring sacks suspected to contain Indian hemp from the Hyundai truck into a Howo Zonda Tipper Truck, with registration number GN 7948-21.
The suspects, however, fled into a nearby bush, immediately they detected the presence of the police, abandoning the two vehicles and the consignment behind. Police officers subsequently secured both trucks and retrieved the suspected narcotic substances.
In a dramatic turn of events, a 39-year-old welder, identified as Solomon Tettey, believed to be a resident of Atua, later approached the officers and allegedly claimed ownership of both the vehicles and the narcotics consignment, which he reportedly admitted was being transported to Nigeria.
Police said the suspect then attempted to bribe the officers with GH¢100,000 in a desperate bid to obstruct the investigation and secure the release of the seized items.
According to the statement, officers tactically feigned interest in the offer in order to gather evidence. The suspect allegedly transferred GH¢90,000 through mobile money and handed over an additional GH¢10,000 in cash.
Immediately after the transaction, reinforcement teams from the Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) and the Odumase Police moved in and arrested Solomon Tettey.
Two other suspects, identified as Joshua Nartey and Teye Nartey, were subsequently apprehended after reportedly appearing at the regional police headquarters in connection with the case.
The suspects, together with the seized exhibits, have since been handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigation Department (RCID) for further investigations and possible prosecution.
The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its determination to combat drug trafficking and maintain professionalism and integrity in law enforcement operations across the region.
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