Police seize 142 suspected cannabis parcels, arrest four in Northern Region

Police in Ghana’s Northern Region have arrested four people after intercepting a commercial bus carrying 142 compressed parcels of suspected cannabis on the Bimbilla–Tamale highway.

The intelligence-led operation took place at about 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. Police say the interception led to further arrests in Tamale as officers followed up on the consignment’s intended delivery.

All four suspects, the seized parcels and a tricycle have been handed over to the Regional Drugs Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.

According to a police statement, officers stopped the mini commercial bus, registration number GW 7800-14, while it was travelling from Bimbilla towards Tamale.

A search allegedly uncovered the parcels concealed in four jute sacks. Police described the substance as suspected Indian hemp, also known as cannabis; the statement did not report any laboratory confirmation or give its weight.

The driver, identified as 46-year-old Alhassan Zeblim, told officers he was transporting the consignment to a tricycle rider in Tamale, police said.

According to the statement, he contacted the intended recipient and led officers to an agreed meeting point.

“At the location, police arrested Ibrahim Yussif, 34, the tricycle rider, and his brother, Bawa Yussif, 56, who had accompanied him to receive the consignment,” the statement said.

Police said Ibrahim Yussif subsequently identified Mohammed Haruna as the owner of the consignment and led officers to a drinking spot known as Sarafina in Tamale, where Haruna was arrested.

Police also alleged that the suspects attempted to pay officers to secure their release.

“The suspects offered the arresting team a bribe of GH¢50,000, which the officers rejected,” the statement said.

The operation was conducted by the Northern Regional Special Operations Team, codenamed Red Maria. Chief Inspector Abu Isahaku led the 13-member team.