Four arrested with 2,250 parcels of suspected indian hemp

Four men have been arrested in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality after police intercepted a Kia Rhino truck suspected of carrying a huge quantity of Indian hemp.

The vehicle, bearing registration number WT 591-20, was stopped at the Mpeasem Axle Load Station during an intelligence-led operation headed by Chief Inspector Abraham Bansah.

Police say the truck, driven by a 34-year-old man, was believed to be transporting 2,250 parcels of compressed Indian hemp from the Central Region en route to Nzema in the Western Region. The officers reportedly became suspicious during a routine inspection and, upon searching the vehicle, uncovered the parcels hidden among other goods.

All four suspects were taken into custody and are currently assisting investigators at the Elmina Police Station. Authorities are working to trace the source and ownership of the illicit cargo while expanding investigations to dismantle the network behind the shipment.

The operation forms part of a broader crackdown by the Ghana Police Service on narcotics smuggling and related criminal activities along major transport routes in the region.

Police officials have praised the diligence of the officers involved and reaffirmed their resolve to stem the spread of drug trafficking across the country through intelligence-driven policing and inter-regional collaboration.

Meanwhile, a few days ago, a Hyundai 5-ton truck carrying over 100 sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp has sparked controversy at the Eastern Regional Police Command in Koforidua.

Officers say nearly half of the original load vanished before the truck arrived at the command.

The vehicle, registered ER 760-23, was first intercepted by a police patrol team on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Under instructions from the Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Twumasi Ankrah, the truck was later driven to the command by Service Driver Chief Inspector Daniel Addo on October 1.

Upon arrival, officers noted that the contents had been tampered with. Several sacks were found to be replaced with sawdust, leaving the truck only partially filled compared to what was originally seized.

Earlier, Asesewa District Police Commander, Superintendent Francis Ackah, had refused to release the truck to the regional operations team, insisting he would personally escort it. Despite this, the consignment arrived in Koforidua with discrepancies.

Meanwhile, two suspects linked to the consignment, identified as Sulley Abubakari and Sadat, were missing when the truck reached the command. Reports indicate they escaped custody after being held at the Sekesua Police Station.

The case has also raised questions about police handling of the operation. Three officers who first intercepted the vehicle were detained briefly, handed over to the regional operations commander, and later held at the KTU Police Station. They were eventually released after the intervention of Deputy Minister of Interior, Ebenezer Terlabi Okletey, but have since been instructed to provide written statements.