Accra drug bust: Suspects held with cocaine, cash and counting machine

The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects in a targeted anti-narcotics operation in Accra, following intelligence-led surveillance that uncovered an alleged drug distribution network operating within the metropolis.

The arrests were carried out after intelligence was received by the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police, indicating that a group of individuals was planning to sell suspected narcotic substances at Dzorwulu.

Acting on the tip-off, a police team mounted surveillance in the area and, on April 11, apprehended two suspects, Bright Ayivor and Ifeanyi Ijeoba. The two were found with 22 compressed substances suspected to be cocaine, which police believe were being prepared for sale to a prospective buyer.

Investigators say further interrogation of the suspects led to the identification of a third individual, Kwabena Botwe, described as a key figure in the alleged operation.

A follow-up operation at Caprice resulted in his arrest after officers kept watch over a planned transaction involving proceeds from the suspected drug trade. Police later extended the search to his residence at Greda Estates, where they retrieved GH¢400,000 in cash and a money-counting machine.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe officers with an additional GH¢420,000 during the operation, an amount that has since been retained as evidence.

All three suspects are currently in custody, assisting with investigations and are expected to be arraigned before the court.

The latest arrests form part of intensified efforts by the police to clamp down on narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities within the capital.