Police in the Ashanti South Region have successfully intercepted a significant shipment of illegal drugs at the Tweapease Police barrier located along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway, resulting in the apprehension of five individuals.
The operation, executed on February 13, 2026, led to the confiscation of 257 packs of tramadol and 58 packs of tapentadol, commonly referred to as “Royal.”
These drugs were being transported on a red OA KIA Grandbird bus, which was headed to Ayamfuri near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region.
During a press briefing in Bekwai on Monday, February 16, Ashanti South Regional Police Commander Joseph Hammond Nyaaba reported that the driver of the bus, Joseph Nkrumah, had been arrested. Upon questioning, he identified one Perpetual as being associated with the shipment.
DCOP Nyaaba further revealed that while investigations were still in progress, the suspect, along with three accomplices—Diana Mensah, 40, Abena Neyea, 43, and Nana Akua—arrived at the Tweapease Police barrier on February 14, 2026, allegedly attempting to bribe officers with GH¢50,000. The police accepted the funds solely for evidential purposes.
The four suspects were subsequently taken into custody to aid in the investigation, increasing the total number of individuals detained to five.
The suspects were presented before the court on Monday, February 16, 2026, under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the illegal sale and distribution of drugs, herbal medicinal products, cosmetics, medical devices, and other household chemical substances.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has issued a warning that it will enhance operations against criminal activities within its area of jurisdiction, advising offenders to refrain from such actions, as the region will become increasingly inhospitable for illicit activities.
