Ghana Police Secure 10-Year Prison Sentence for Drug Trafficker and Intercept Major Contraband Consignment

In a decisive day for law enforcement, the Ghana Police Service has secured a long-term prison sentence for a drug trafficker in the Oti Region and intercepted a significant haul of contraband, including suspected sodium cyanide and foreign cigarettes, in the Bono East Region. These operations, occurring on September 1, 2026, underscore an intensified national crackdown on the illegal movement of narcotics and hazardous materials across regional borders.

In the first case, the Jasikan Circuit Court sentenced 23-year-old Clinton Awuku to 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of narcotic plants for trafficking. Awuku, who was arrested by Nkonya District Police on March 31, 2026, with 21 parcels of cannabis, pleaded guilty to the charges. In addition to his prison term, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units; failure to pay will result in an additional three years of incarceration. The court further ordered the immediate destruction of the seized narcotics, emphasizing the judiciary's zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offenses.

Simultaneously, the Bono East Regional Police, in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate, intercepted a Kia Rhino vehicle at Jema. The driver, Fusini Danaa, was apprehended while transporting a diverse load of goods from Nalerigu to Kumasi. A search of the vehicle revealed 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes and 100 containers of suspected sodium cyanide hidden among 23 bags of soya beans, 39 bags of groundnut husks, and 21 bags of millet. Preliminary investigations indicate the driver received the consignment at Bentri for delivery to the Ashanti regional capital.

Authorities have raised serious public health concerns regarding the discovery, as the suspected sodium cyanide—a highly toxic chemical—was being transported in close proximity to food items destined for public consumption. Consequently, the police have submitted samples of the chemical for laboratory testing to confirm its composition and assess potential contamination. The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and drug-related crimes, urging the public to continue providing vital information to assist in maintaining national security and public safety.