A coordinated intelligence operation between police units in Ho and Ashaiman has disrupted a suspected inter-city narcotics delivery network, resulting in the arrest of a man believed to be involved in receiving illegal substances disguised as food produce.
The suspect, identified as Francis Alidu, was apprehended at Ashaiman following a tip-off from the Ho Police Command regarding a commercial bus driver earlier detained with bags suspected to contain Indian hemp.
According to police sources, the information prompted surveillance in Ashaiman, where officers monitored the suspected receiver’s movements. Alidu was picked up near the Ashaiman KFC branch, where the delivery was reportedly expected to take place.
In the course of questioning, Alidu allegedly received a phone call alerting him that a sack purportedly containing cassava had been dropped off for him outside the premises. Police immediately moved to secure the sack and transported it to the station for inspection.
A search conducted in the suspect’s presence revealed 18 tightly packed slabs believed to be Indian hemp concealed beneath cassava tubers—an attempt authorities believe was designed to evade detection during transit.
Police say preliminary evidence suggests a structured delivery network involving commercial drivers ferrying concealed narcotics across regions. Alidu will face charges under Section 37(1) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which prohibits unlawful possession or control of narcotic drugs.
The suspect is expected to be transferred to the Ho Regional Police Command as investigations broaden into what officers suspect may be a wider trafficking operation exploiting public transport channels.
