Ashanti South Police Intercept 713 Slabs of Suspected Indian Hemp; Mob Attacks Officers in Separate Incident

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has intercepted a major consignment of suspected narcotic substances and arrested a commercial driver during a routine snap-check operation at Asanso in the Ashanti South Region.

Briefing the media, Deputy Regional Commander ACP Cephas Arthur revealed that the interception was made on January 26, 2026, by officers from the Bekwai District Command during snap-checks along the Bekwai–Aputuogya road.

At about 7:30 p.m., officers stopped a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AC 71825. A search uncovered nine nylon sacks containing seven hundred and thirteen (713) slabs of compressed dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The driver, 50-year-old Atampugri Akanyani, claimed the substance was given to him by an unknown individual at the Kejetia Lorry Station in Kumasi for delivery to another unidentified person in Obuasi for a fee of GH¢600.00.

ACP Arthur confirmed that the suspected narcotics have been retained as exhibits and the vehicle impounded. The driver has since been arraigned before court as investigations continue. He stressed that the Ashanti South Police Command remains fully committed to combating drug trafficking, warning criminal elements to stay clear of the region.

Meanwhile, the Command is also dealing with the aftermath of a violent mob attack on police officers at Bepotenten Sukuum in the Amansie Central District.

According to ACP Arthur, the incident occurred on Friday, January 23, 2026, when a four-member patrol team from the Jacobu District Command encountered a 15-year-old boy carrying a pump-action gun during routine patrols. The officers seized the weapon and instructed the boy to have the owner produce documentation for the firearm.

On their return from patrol, the officers were ambushed by a group of about one hundred (100) youth armed with cutlasses, cudgels, and firearms. The mob blocked the road and launched an attack on the officers.

“In the ensuing confrontation, one of the attackers snatched an AK-47 assault rifle from a police officer and attempted to flee,” ACP Arthur disclosed. Officers, acting according to the rules of engagement, responded, resulting in the suspect being incapacitated. He was later pronounced dead.

The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Jacob Gbatag from the Upper West Region but residing in Dominase, Central Region.

Another suspect, 23-year-old Alex Konadu from Dominase, sustained injuries and initially escaped. He was later arrested at Greenfield Hospital in Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North Region. He has been charged with assault on a public officer and rioting.

ACP Arthur warned that any attacks on police personnel will be met with lawful force. He reassured residents of intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at keeping the region safe and ensuring that criminal activities are dismantled swiftly.

Source: otecfmghana.com