Police in Ashanti Region have intercepted a huge quantity of stolen insecticide treated nets belonging to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) while they were being smuggled to Burkina Faso.

Security officials say they counted a total of 3,250 nets -- which were part of a consignment meant for free distribution to households to aid the fight against malaria.

The nets had been hidden in an apartment at Sabon-Zongo, a community in the Ashanti Region, Police sources revealed.

Police say they intercepted the items upon a tip-off.

The treated nets were found with 35-year old Sidibe Hussein, a Burkinabe, who is currently in Police custody.

Police have launched a manhunt for one Alhaji Sana, another Burkinabee believed to be the key suspect in the theft.