AN AMERICAN-based Ghanaian has been arrested by the Accra Police in connection with an alleged attempt to import sniper guns into the country without licence.
The suspect, Ernest Tawiah, was said to have brought in the new 22 metre long guns from the US.
In total, three Aero Survival Rifles (ASR) and accessories were seized at the Tema Port after they were concealed in items described as personal effects.
Information available to DAILY GUIDE indicates that over the weekend, the clearing agents who attempted clearing the consignment at the Tema Port last Thursday, June 17, 2021 led police to arrest some three persons who were owners of the various parcels consolidated into the container.
The owners of the guns were identified and arrested by the Accra Central Police to assist with investigations.
The suspect was said to have told the police during interrogation that he brought the guns for personal protection.
However, police described the importation as illegal since the suspect did not secure permit to import the guns.
Police stressed further that no one is allowed to possess or control such guns without valid licence.
Officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) intercepted the three rifles during physical examination of the container at the Tema Port.
The importer was said to have packaged the rifles in three barrels filled with several canned fish and milk described as personal effects, which were brought through a cargo delivery service company called African Logistics.
It is illegal for anybody to bring in firearms or explosives without permission from the Ministry of the Interior.
Any other process or source of acquisition apart from the above-mentioned is against the law, and offenders when caught will have to face the full rigors of the law, DAILY GUIDE has learnt.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema