Jasikan District police arrested two suspects and seized 1,482 compressed parcels of substances suspected to be cannabis after intercepting a cargo truck with a hidden compartment on Sunday, February 15, 2026, rejecting an 80,000 cedis bribe offered during the operation.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gideon Sena Zowonu led the operation alongside Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mathew Avemee and five additional officers following intelligence received on Thursday, February 13, that indicated a cargo truck would travel from Hohoe through the Likpe and Jasikan enclave toward Nkwanta between February 13 and 16.
Police surveillance teams spotted and stopped a Mercedes Benz cargo truck with registration number GS 3831-09 at approximately 2:00 pm at Bodada. The vehicle was driven by Amrado Justice Nelson, aged 50, with passenger Onaneye Yussif, aged 25, on board.
An initial inspection revealed an apparently empty cargo area, however, detailed examination uncovered a newly constructed inner compartment. Officers transported the vehicle to Jasikan Police Station and engaged an auto welder to access the concealed section.
The welder cut open the hidden compartment in the presence of both suspects and officers, revealing 1,482 compressed parcels of substances suspected to be cannabis hidden inside. Police reported that during the process, the driver allegedly offered 80,000 cedis to officers in exchange for release, which was declined.
The operation team included Chief Inspector Dennis Felli, Inspector Nobel Adjabeng Quarcoo, Detective Inspector Charles Doe Tetteh, General Lance Corporal Anthony Kyei Frimpong, General Lance Corporal Stephen Konlan Biiche, and General Constable Emmanuel Gbortse.
Both suspects remain detained while the truck has been impounded. The retrieved parcels have been retained as exhibits pending further investigations and laboratory analysis to confirm the substance composition.
The Oti Regional Police Command has conducted multiple narcotics interdiction operations during February 2026. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Alex Acquah stated that the command remains committed to sustained operations aimed at eliminating illegal weapons and narcotics. He commended officers involved and appealed to the public to continue providing timely information.
Ghana faces persistent challenges with cannabis trafficking despite legal prohibitions. The Criminal Offences Act of 1960 classifies cannabis possession and trafficking as criminal offenses carrying imprisonment ranging from five to 15 years for possession and minimum 10-year sentences for trafficking.
