Five Arrested in Ashanti Region Over Tramadol Seizure and Alleged GH¢50,000 Bribe Attempt

Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested five individuals following the interception of a significant quantity of prohibited drugs at the Tweapease Police barrier along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway.

The operation, conducted on February 13, 2026, led to the seizure of 257 packs of tramadol and 58 packs of tapentadol, locally referred to as “Royal.” The narcotics were being transported on a red OA KIA Grandbird bus headed toward Ayamfuri near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region.

Briefing the media in Bekwai on Monday, February 16, Ashanti South Regional Police Commander Joseph Hammond Nyaaba said the vehicle’s driver, Joseph Nkrumah, was initially arrested. During questioning, he identified a woman known as Perpetual as the person linked to the consignment.

DCOP Nyaaba further revealed that while investigations were underway, the suspect and three other individuals Diana Mensah, 40; Abena Neyea, 43; and Nana Akua arrived at the Tweapease barrier on February 14, allegedly attempting to bribe officers with GH¢50,000. Police accepted the money strictly as evidence.

The four individuals were immediately arrested to assist with investigations, increasing the number of suspects in custody to five.

All suspects were arraigned before court on Monday, February 16, under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the unlawful sale and distribution of drugs, herbal medicinal products, cosmetics, medical devices, and other household chemical substances.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has warned that it will intensify operations against criminal activities within the area, cautioning offenders to desist as the region will become increasingly hostile to illicit operations.