Security personnel in the Oti Region have intercepted a significant quantity of illicit ammunition during two separate intelligence-led operations conducted on Sunday.
The operations, which took place on 17th May, led to the recovery of one thousand rounds of ammunition and the immediate arrest of two suspects, who are currently assisting law enforcement with ongoing investigations.
According to an official statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, Public Affairs Officer for the Oti Region, the first seizure occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation at a security checkpoint in Nkwanta.
A night operational patrol team intercepted a 66-seater MGI passenger bus, bearing registration number AS 248-P.
“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the retrieval of seven hundred and fifty (750) live J/G cartridges concealed in a black polythene bag containing three brown boxes, each packed with 250 rounds of ammunition,” DSP Nchor disclosed.
Initial interrogations at the scene led to the arrest of 53-year-old Hudu Mahama, who was working as the driver’s mate on the vehicle.
Police confirmed that Mahama “admitted ownership of the ammunition” during preliminary questioning.
In a separate but concurrent development on the same day, a joint Police and Military taskforce operating in the area pursued a suspicious motorbike rider. During the chase, a box tumbled from the speeding motorbike, prompting the rider to flee the scene.
Upon inspection, the dropped cargo was found to contain one hundred and twenty-five AA cartridges and another one hundred and twenty-five BB cartridges, totaling 250 rounds of live ammunition.
A subsequent preliminary inspection of the recovered box linked the consignment to 57-year-old Christian Kwasi Alonise, who was swiftly taken into custody.
While the unidentified motorcyclist managed to evade arrest, security forces confirmed that “efforts continue to retrieve the second box carried away by the unidentified rider.”
The Ghana Police Service has retained all recovered cartridges as evidence while investigations widen to uncover the intended destination and purpose of the contraband.
Law enforcement authorities have reassured the public of their heightened vigilance, stating that the “Joint Security team remains committed to the restoration and maintenance of lasting peace and security in the area.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana