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, conducted 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.
Briefing the media in Bekwai on Monday, February 16, Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, said the driver of the vehicle, Joseph Nkrumah, was arrested.
During interrogation, he allegedly mentioned one Perpetual as the person linked to the consignment.
DCOP Nyaaba further revealed that while investigations were ongoing, the suspect and three others, Diana Mensah, 40, Abena Neyea, 43, and Nana Akua arrived at the Tweapease Police barrier on February 14, 2026.
They allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢50,000 in a bid to influence the case. The police said the money was accepted strictly for evidential purposes.
The four were subsequently arrested to assist with investigations, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five.
The suspects were arraigned before 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 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 to illicit operations.
