Ashanti South Police Intercept Prohibited Drug Consignment and Foil GH¢50,000 Bribery Attempt

On February 13, 2026, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command successfully intercepted a large quantity of prohibited drugs being transported along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway. This operation, executed during a routine check on commercial vehicles, led to the discovery of significant amounts of tramadol and tapentadol hidden within a passenger bus. Five suspects have since been taken into custody in connection with the smuggling attempt and a subsequent brazen effort to bribe law enforcement officers to compromise the investigation.

The initial breakthrough occurred when officers flagged down a commercial passenger bus for inspection. Upon searching the vehicle, police uncovered several boxes containing the controlled substances, which were carefully concealed among other goods to evade detection. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Joseph Nkrumah, was immediately apprehended. Under questioning, Nkrumah cooperated with the authorities and identified the owner of the illegal consignment as an individual named Perpetual, providing crucial information that allowed the police to expand their operation.

The case took a dramatic turn the following day when Perpetual, accompanied by three other suspects, attempted to secure their release and the recovery of the seized drugs through illegal means. In an act of corruption, the group offered a bribe of GH¢50,000 to the police officers involved in the case. However, the officers upheld their professional integrity, rejecting the money and immediately arresting Perpetual and her three accomplices. This failed bribery attempt has added additional criminal charges to the suspects' profiles, highlighting the organized nature of the trafficking ring.

The Ashanti South Command has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating the trade of illicit and prohibited substances within the region. By removing these dangerous quantities of tramadol and tapentadol from circulation, the police aim to mitigate the public health risks associated with the abuse of such narcotics. Officials have issued a stern warning to those involved in the drug trade, emphasizing that the police service will remain vigilant and will not be swayed by attempts at corruption as they continue to protect the security and well-being of the Ghanaian public.