Tema Police Seize 5,039 Suspected Narcotics Parcels, Reject GH¢150,000 Bribe
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Police in Ghana’s Tema Region say officers rejected an alleged GH¢150,000 bribe after intercepting a truck carrying 5,039 suspected narcotics parcels concealed in charcoal sacks. The seizure forms part of wider operations targeting organised crime and drug trafficking.
TEMA, Ghana – Police in Ghana’s Tema Region say officers have seized 5,039 compressed parcels of suspected narcotics concealed in a tipper truck and rejected an alleged GH¢150,000 bribe offered in an attempt to secure the vehicle’s release during an anti-drug operation.
The seizure was announced on Thursday by Tema Regional Police Commander DCOP Eric Asamoah Asiedu, who said officers intercepted the truck at Afienya during an operation targeting organised crime in the region. Two suspects have been arrested and remanded into custody while investigations continue.
According to police, the truck was transporting charcoal sacks that concealed the suspected narcotic substances. Officers later alleged that one of the suspects offered GH¢150,000 to persuade police to release both the vehicle and its cargo, but the officers refused. “Our officers rejected an alleged GH¢150,000 bribe offered by a suspect who sought the release of the truck carrying the suspected narcotic substances,” DCOP Asiedu told journalists during the briefing.
Large seizures highlight anti-drug operations.
The interception represents one of the more significant publicly announced narcotics seizures by the Tema Regional Police Command in recent months and underscores the continued efforts by Ghanaian security agencies to disrupt suspected drug trafficking networks operating through key transport corridors. Police have not publicly disclosed the estimated street value of the seized substances. The materials remain in police custody pending forensic examination and further investigation. Authorities continue to describe them as suspected narcotics while laboratory analysis and legal processes are ongoing.
Alleged bribery attempt rejected
Police said the alleged bribery attempt occurred after the suspects were taken into custody. DCOP Asiedu commended the officers involved, describing their actions as evidence of professionalism and integrity in the fight against organised crime. “The Tema Regional Police Command remains resolute, vigilant and fully committed to combating crime. We have strengthened intelligence gathering, patrols and collaboration with other security agencies. There will be no haven for criminals within this Region,” he said. The commander said investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have links to the suspected trafficking operation.
Wider fight against organised crime
The announcement formed part of a broader operational update by the Tema Regional Police Command covering measures against armed robbery, narcotics trafficking and other forms of organised crime within the region. Ghana’s security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), have in recent years intensified efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. The country’s ports, highways and international transport routes remain areas of strategic focus because of their potential use by transnational criminal networks.
Security experts have repeatedly noted that combating drug trafficking requires not only effective intelligence gathering and enforcement but also institutional integrity. The reported rejection of the alleged GH¢150,000 inducement is therefore likely to be viewed as an important demonstration of efforts to strengthen public confidence in law enforcement. Authorities have not announced when the suspects are expected to appear again before the court.
What We Know
Police say a tipper truck was intercepted at Afienya during an operation that led to the seizure of thousands of compressed parcels of suspected narcotics and the arrest of two people.
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Police intercepted a tipper truck
Officers say the vehicle was stopped at Afienya as part of an intelligence-led operation.
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Thousands of compressed parcels were seized
Police reported recovering 5,039 compressed parcels of suspected narcotics from the vehicle.
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Two suspects have been arrested
The two people detained in connection with the operation have been remanded while investigations continue.
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Police allege that a bribe was offered
Investigators say an alleged GH¢150,000 bribe was offered to officers and rejected.
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The seized substances remain in police custody
The parcels are being held as exhibits and may undergo forensic and laboratory examination as part of the investigation.
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Investigators are examining a possible trafficking network
Police say enquiries are continuing into the source, intended destination and wider network potentially connected to the seizure.
What Happens Next?
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