The suspect
A 60-year-old man, Abass Seidu, is in the custody of the Upper West Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for allegedly dealing in ammunition and illicit drugs.
He was apprehended on January 29 following intelligence-led surveillance at the Kundugu market in the Wa East District and at a stash house in Wa, the regional capital.
The Narcotic Control Commission announced the recovery of 2,626 cartridges of ammunition from a suspect and a stash house. The seized items included three cartons and 362 individual rounds of ammunition. Officers also found tramadol hidden among pharmaceutical products and foreign cigarettes during the operation.
Investigations suggest the suspect supplied clients locally and in Burkina Faso, raising concerns about cross-border trafficking.
The suspect has been handed over to the Wa Municipal Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. NACOC warned the public against unlawful activities and reaffirmed its commitment to fighting drug and ammunition trafficking nationwide.
In a related development, the Berekum Divisional Police Command has arrested one kingpin, 39-year-old David Frimpong, for possession of narcotic drugs without lawful authority at Nyamebekyere, a suburb in Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region.
A search conducted uncovered 57 compressed slabs of dried leaves, 195 wraps of dried leaves, 3 sacks of dried leaves, all suspected to be Indian hemp at his residence in a semi-completed house.
A statement signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer, Bono Regional Police Command, revealed that a container of ‘groundnut cake’ toffee suspected to be mixed with Indian hemp, 6 pairs of scissors, 14 packs of cigarettes and 190 wrapping papers were also found in the house.
“The exhibits have been retained for evidential and forensic examination. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a dealer in such narcotic drugs and has been the distributor in Berekum and its environs. The suspect is currently in police custody for further investigation, and efforts are underway to prepare him to face the full rigours of the law,” parts of the statement read.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke