Two people are in police custody in the Upper West Region after security operatives seized substances suspected to be narcotic drugs at the ESP bus station area in Wa.
The arrests were made separately as the police, working with National Security operatives, investigated the suspected movement of illicit drugs through the region.
The first suspect, identified only by his popular name, S.K., was arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, shortly after arriving in Wa on a commercial bus from Kumasi.
He was allegedly found carrying a bag containing substances suspected to be narcotic drugs.
According to security sources, S.K. allegedly made phone calls shortly after his arrest, asking individuals believed to be involved in the distribution of illicit drugs to come for the consignment.
He was subsequently taken into custody as investigations continued.
Confirming the arrests, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, said the seized substances had been secured and would undergo forensic analysis to determine their exact composition.
He cautioned against concluding before the results are available.
“The case is under investigation, and we are still putting together a number of issues. It will be too premature to pronounce much on it,” he said.
DCOP Yiribaare said investigators were also working to establish whether other people were connected to the case.
“So far, we have two in custody, and we’re working around the clock to see if there are other people connected and also to conduct what we call forensic analysis of the substances in our custody,” he said.
He stressed that the substances remained only suspected narcotics until forensic testing was completed.
“Until the forensic results are out, we cannot say 100 per cent what they are,” he added.
The Regional Police Commander said the suspects would be processed for court after investigations are completed, while ensuring they are not detained beyond the period permitted by law.
“As soon as possible. We do not intend to hold them unnecessarily beyond the constitutional mandate given to us,” he said.
The police have not disclosed the identities of the two suspects or the quantity of the substances seized.
Investigators are also working to determine whether the suspected consignment was intended for distribution in Wa or was being transported to another destination.
