Police seize 73 parcels of suspected cannabis as suspects allegedly offer GH¢300,000 bribe

Two people have been arrested after police intercepted 73 parcels of a substance suspected to be cannabis hidden in a commercial vehicle travelling through Ghana's Savannah Region, with officers also alleging that the suspects attempted to bribe them with GH¢300,000 to avoid arrest.

The seizure was made during a routine highway operation by the Bole District Police Command along the Banda Nkwanta-Teslima road, where officers stopped a commercial vehicle travelling from Techiman to Wa for inspection.

According to the Ghana Police Service, officers became suspicious after detecting inconsistencies in explanations about some of the luggage on board. A subsequent search uncovered 73 parcels of the suspected narcotic substance concealed inside bags.

The vehicle's driver and a woman, believed to be in her early 40s, who allegedly claimed ownership of the consignment, were arrested.

Police said the woman admitted transporting the suspected cannabis to Sengye, a community near Bole. Investigators are examining whether the shipment was destined for areas linked to illegal mining activities, although they say the intended use of the drugs has not yet been established.

In a further development, police alleged that the suspects attempted to offer officers GH¢300,000 in exchange for their release. Officers rejected the alleged bribe and proceeded with the arrest.

The suspected narcotic substance has been sent for forensic analysis to confirm its composition before formal charges are filed.

The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue and are expected to appear before court after police complete their inquiries.

The seizure forms part of intensified nationwide efforts by security agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb the movement of illicit narcotics across Ghana.

The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to tackling narcotics-related crime and corruption, urging members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing law enforcement operations.

Police stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.