Police arrest 3 over suspected Indian hemp haul and GH¢100,000 bribery attempt

Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged possession and transportation of a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp as well as an attempted GH¢100,000 bribery during a major anti-narcotics operation in the Eastern Region.

The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Eastern Regional Police Intelligence Department (RPID) on May 10, 2026.

According to a police statement issued on Monday, May 11, and signed by Bridget Opoku, officers acted on intelligence reports indicating that narcotics were allegedly being stored at Akosombo-Bonya in the Eastern Region.

Police said surveillance operations were mounted near Krobo Girls Senior High School, where officers intercepted a Hyundai Rhino truck with registration number GR 5724-15.

Investigators later tracked the vehicle to a secluded area near Atua Government Hospital, where suspects were allegedly transferring sacks from the Hyundai truck into a Howo Zonda Tipper Truck with registration number GN 7948-21.

According to the statement, the suspects fled into nearby bushland after noticing the police presence, but officers succeeded in securing both vehicles and the cargo.

A subsequent search reportedly uncovered 1,600 parcels of suspected Indian hemp concealed inside the two trucks.

Police later identified one of the suspects as Solomon Tettey, a 39-year-old welder from Atua, who allegedly approached officers and claimed ownership of both the vehicles and the suspected narcotics.

The suspect reportedly informed police that the consignment was being transported to Nigeria.

Authorities further alleged that Solomon Tettey attempted to bribe officers with GH¢100,000 in an effort to interfere with investigations and secure the release of the seized items.

“In an attempt to compromise the investigation, suspect Solomon Tettey offered the officers a bribe of GH¢100,000,” the police statement said.

Police explained that officers pretended to cooperate with the suspect in order to gather evidence related to the alleged bribery attempt.

According to investigators, the suspect transferred GH¢90,000 through Mobile Money and later provided an additional GH¢10,000 in cash.

Following the transaction, personnel from the Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Odumase Police reportedly moved in and arrested the suspect.

Two additional suspects, identified as Joshua Nartey and Teye Nartey, were later arrested after voluntarily appearing at the Regional Police Headquarters.

Police said all three suspects, together with the seized narcotics and other exhibits, have been handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigation Department for further investigations.

The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking, corruption, and organized criminal activities in the country.

“The Ghana Police Service reiterates its commitment to integrity and the relentless pursuit of drug trafficking syndicates within the region,” the statement added.