Ashanti South Region Police arrest 5 over tramadol haul, attempted GH¢50k bribe
Police in the Ashanti South Region have intercepted a large consignment of prohibited drugs at the Tweapease Police barrier along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
The operation, carried out on February 13, 2026, resulted in the seizure of 257 packs of tramadol and 58 packs of tapentadol, popularly known as “Royal.” The drugs were being transported on a red OA KIA Grandbird bus en route to Ayamfuri near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region.
Addressing the media in Bekwai on Monday, February 16, Ashanti South Regional Police Commander Joseph Hammond Nyaaba said the driver of the vehicle, Joseph Nkrumah, was arrested. During interrogation, he mentioned one Perpetual as the person connected to the consignment.
DCOP Nyaaba further disclosed that while investigations were ongoing, the suspect, together with three accomplices, Diana Mensah, 40, Abena Neyea, 43, and Nana Akua, arrived at the Tweapease Police barrier on February 14, 2026, allegedly in an attempt to bribe officers with GH¢50,000. The police accepted the money strictly for evidential purposes.
The four individuals were subsequently arrested to assist with investigations, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five.
The suspects have been arraigned before the court on Monday, February 16, 2026, under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the unlawful sale and distribution of drugs, herbal medicinal products, cosmetics, medical devices, and other household chemical substances.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has warned that it will intensify operations against criminal activities within its jurisdiction, cautioning offenders to desist as the area will be made increasingly hostile for illicit operations.
