Tafo Pankrono Police Taskforce Busts Suspected Cannabis Ring, Arrests 10

Tafo Pankrono Police Taskforce Busts Suspected Cannabis Ring, Arrests 10

A special taskforce from the Ghana Police Service at the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command in Kumasi has arrested 10 suspects believed to be involved in the distribution of cannabis following a weekend operation.

The operation, carried out by a team comprising five police officers and five community police personnel, led to the seizure of 254 wraps of a substance suspected to be cannabis, popularly known as “wee”, as well as 455 bottles of a locally prepared alcoholic drink known as “Fa mu dɛ.”

According to sources close to the operation, the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe members of the taskforce shortly after their arrest in a bid to avoid prosecution. However, the officers reportedly rejected the offer, insisting on carrying out their duties in line with the directives of the IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who has consistently emphasised integrity and professionalism within the service.Sources indicate that the taskforce members hoped their refusal to accept the alleged bribe would draw attention to their commitment to the anti-corruption drive within the police service, particularly in light of the Inspector-General’s policy encouraging recognition for officers who reject bribery during special operations.

However, the development has reportedly sparked internal controversy within the divisional command. Some senior officers are said to be raising concerns that members of the taskforce may have taken money and other valuables from the premises during the raid. These allegations, according to insiders, have resulted in delays in the prosecution of the suspects as senior officers review the circumstances surrounding the operation.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the case say intelligence leading to the operation was obtained through a confidential informant who allegedly received GH¢10,000 as compensation for providing information that led the taskforce to the suspected drug base.

The suspects — nine men and one woman — are currently in police custody and are expected to assist investigators as enquiries continue. Police say the confiscated substances and items will be subjected to further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities say the operation forms part of wider efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities in communities within the Ashanti Region

Source: Locotvgh.com