Police bust ammunition smuggling operations in Nkwanta

Security personnel in Nkwanta intercepted 1,000 rounds of ammunition during two intelligence-led operations in the Oti Region, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

The operations, conducted on May 17, formed part of ongoing efforts by joint security agencies to maintain peace and security in the area, according to a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service in Dambai.

In the first operation, a night patrol team stopped a 66-seater MGI bus with registration number AS 248-P at a security checkpoint in Nkwanta. A search of the vehicle uncovered 750 live J/G cartridges hidden in a black polythene bag containing three brown boxes.

The statement said each box contained 250 rounds of ammunition.

Police identified one of the suspects as 53-year-old Hudu Mahama, who was serving as the driver’s mate on the bus. Authorities said he admitted ownership of the ammunition during preliminary interrogation.

“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the retrieval of seven hundred and fifty (750) live J/G cartridges concealed in a black polythene bag,” the statement noted.

In a separate operation on the same day, a joint Police and Military team pursued a suspect rider believed to be transporting ammunition on a motorbike.

During the chase, a box reportedly fell from the motorbike. Security officers later retrieved the package, which contained 125 AA cartridges and 125 BB cartridges, bringing the total number of rounds intercepted in both operations to 1,000.

The rider, however, escaped from the scene.

Police said “the unidentified rider managed to escape” after abandoning the box during the pursuit.

Preliminary investigations later led to the arrest of another suspect, identified as 57-year-old Christian Kwasi Alonise.

According to the statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor of the Public Affairs Unit in the Oti Region, both suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators.

“The Joint Security team remains committed to the restoration and maintenance of lasting peace and security in the area,” the statement added.