The Ghana Police Service says officers in the Ashanti South Region have intercepted a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs and arrested five people following an operation on a major highway.
According to a statement from the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, personnel from Obuasi stopped a passenger bus at the Tweapease Police barrier along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway on 13 February and conducted a search. Officers reportedly discovered two sealed boxes containing 257 packs of 50mg tramadol, 58 packs of 250mg tramadol, and 58 packs of 225mg tapendol, substances classified as restricted pharmaceuticals.
Police immediately arrested the driver, Joseph Nkrumah, 37, who allegedly told investigators the consignment belonged to a woman identified as Perpetual from Ayamfuri, near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region.
The statement said that on 14 February, while investigations were ongoing, the alleged owner arrived at the same checkpoint accompanied by three others, Diana Mensah, Abena Neyea and Nana Akua, carrying GH₵50,000 in cash. Officers suspected the money was intended as a bribe and arrested all four individuals. The cash has been retained as evidence.
Authorities said the suspects are expected to appear in court on charges linked to the prohibited sale and distribution of controlled drugs under Ghanaian public health laws.
Regional Commander Joseph Hammond Nyaaba warned that law-enforcement agencies would intensify surveillance and intelligence-led operations across the jurisdiction.
He cautioned criminal networks against using the region as a transit point, saying police would make the area “very hostile” for anyone involved in illegal drug trafficking or related activities.
Investigations are continuing as officers work to determine the origin, intended recipients and distribution network connected to the seized consignment.