The Upper West Regional Police Command has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of large quantities of suspected narcotic substances across the region.
The police in a press statement signed by the regional Police commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, and copied to 3news.com said the operations were carried out over four weeks in several communities, including Eremon in the Lawra Municipality, Nadowli Barrier and Loho community in Nadowli-Kaleo District, Charhe and Siriyiri in Wa Municipality, as well as Hamile and Funsi in the Lambussie and Wa East districts respectively.
The statement noted that “over the past four weeks, the Command has recorded a series of narcotic seizures across multiple districts,” resulting in the confiscation of “218 compressed slabs, 54 parcels, and 8 other assorted consignments of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.”
On April 1, 2026, police personnel stationed at the Wa-Loho barrier intercepted a Royal VVIP bus travelling from Wa to Jirapa and retrieved 51 compressed slabs of suspected drugs.
Three individuals, namely Stephen Lomotey, Solomon King, and Urilius Tobopalee, were first arrested in connection with the haul.
Similarly, on April 3, 2026, a police patrol team operating at Eremon in the Lawra Municipality stopped a Toyota Corolla saloon car and discovered 140 compressed slabs of suspected narcotics, leading to the second arrest of two suspects, identified as Dennis Domoyel, and Clovis Saame.
The Command revealed that “in most of these instances, the substances are always northbound heading towards Hamile direction for delivery,” suggesting a growing trafficking route within the region.
According to the Police, all suspects are currently undergoing various stages of investigation and prosecution, while the vehicles used to transport the substances have been impounded.
The Command also issued a strong warning to transport operators, cautioning them “to desist from allowing their vehicles to be used as couriers of illicit drugs as their vehicles risk forfeiture to the state in addition to prosecution for the owners when caught.”
Reaffirming its commitment, the Command assured the public of “its unwavering commitment to combating drug-related crimes for a safer and secure environment,” and appealed to citizens to volunteer information to aid ongoing operations.
Story by Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
