The Eastern Regional Police Command has instituted measures to arrest and prosecute people who deal in narcotics, especially, Indian hemp or "wee" cultivators, peddlers and smokers of the substance.

Speaking to The Statesman in an interview, the Eastern Regional Police Commander, ACP George Anko-Bil disclosed that 150 members of the Regional Police Task Force last Tuesday destroyed a four acre "wee" farm at Animako near Oterkpolu and a one and half acre farm at Sikaben all in Asesewa area of the Upper Manya Krobo district.

The district, he said is now noted for "wee" cultivation and the main source of supply in the Eastern and Greater Accra regions. He said the time has come for the district to redeem its sinking image and appealed for reliable information to reverse the trend.

ACP Anko-Bil said 10 mini bags of dried leaves suspected to be "wee" were intercepted at Akropong Akuapem last week and investigations were being conducted to track their owners. And at Asamankese lorry park, two bags of similar items were seized in a Koforidua-bound passenger car.

He said the driver was immediately arrested, but he denied fore-knowledge about it and urged the police to question one Alhassan Muctawakil, the loading boy. ACP Anko-Bil said Muctawakil's arrest led to the owner, Adamu Salifu from Nkansese.

The Regional Commander also revealed the arrest of a suspected armed robber at Somanya. ACP Anko-Bil said a G-3 Security assault riffle was found on the suspect. Two others who managed to bolt returned to the Somanya Police Station in the night in an attempt to free their colleague, but the policeman on duty managed to repel their attack.

Meanwhile, he said, a suspected armed robber put on court warrant has been arrested by the Akuse Police while on his way to Ashiaman.

Source: Statesman