Police in the Northern Region have arrested four persons and seized 142 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp following an intelligence-led operation on the Bimbilla-Tamale highway.

The operation was carried out on Thursday, 15 October, at about 6:30 p.m. by the Northern Regional Special Operations Team, codenamed Red Maria, led by Chief Inspector Abu Isahaku and comprising 13 personnel.

According to the police, the team intercepted a mini commercial bus with registration number GW 7800-14 travelling from Bimbilla towards Tamale, driven by 46-year-old Alhassan Zeblim, and a search conducted on the vehicle revealed 142 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp concealed in four jute sacks.

A statement issued by the police said the driver told the police officers he was transporting the consignment to an unidentified tricycle rider in Tamale and subsequently contacted the intended recipient, leading police to an agreed meeting point.

"At the location, police arrested Ibrahim Yussif, 34, the tricycle rider, and his brother, Bawa Yussif, 56, who had accompanied him to receive the consignment," the statement said.

It said during interrogation, Ibrahim Yussif identified Mohammed Haruna as the owner of the consignment and led the team to a drinking spot known as Sarafina in Tamale, where Haruna was arrested.

Police said the suspects offered officers a bribe of GH¢50,000 in an attempt to secure their release.

"The suspects offered the arresting team a bribe of GH¢50,000, which the officers rejected," the police said.

The exhibits recovered include 142 parcels of suspected Indian hemp and one tricycle. All four suspects and the exhibits have been handed over to the Regional Drugs Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.