The Western Regional Police Command has arrested three persons and intercepted two Kia trucks loaded with substances suspected to be cannabis in separate operations within the Shama Municipality and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

The arrests were made on Sunday evening following coordinated intelligence-led operations.

According to police, the first truck, with registration number GE 8965-12, was intercepted around 5:30 p.m. at the Assorku Barrier while travelling from Accra towards Takoradi.

The vehicle was reportedly loaded with bags of suspected narcotic substances concealed under sawdust.

Three persons onboard the truck fled upon interception, but one suspect, identified as Moses Kweku Tawiah, was arrested at the scene.

Police say intelligence gathered from the initial arrest led to the interception of a second Kia truck, registration number GS 3368-17, at Nkroful Junction. The vehicle was also found to be carrying similar suspected substances.

In total, officers retrieved 152 bales from the two vehicles. Each bale is said to contain approximately 80 parcels of compressed substances believed to be Indian hemp.

Subsequently, two additional suspects — 55-year-old Kwabena Forson and 44-year-old Isaac Kwame Kontor — were arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe police officers with GH¢69,000 to secure the release of Moses Kweku Tawiah. Officers reportedly rejected the bribe and immediately took the two men into custody.

Public Relations Officer for the Western Regional Police Command, Superintendent Olivia Ewurabena Adiku, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism.

She issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking, stressing that the police remain on high alert and will ensure that anyone caught transporting or dealing in narcotic substances within the region faces the full rigour of the law.

Investigations are ongoing.