11 arrested for allegedly posing as National Security officers, extorting cannabis farmers in Eastern Region
The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested 11 individuals accused of impersonating National Security operatives and extorting money from cannabis farmers in Aboa, a farming community in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.
According to police sources, the suspects allegedly wore National Security-class uniforms and moved between communities, demanding money from residents, particularly farmers involved in cannabis cultivation.
The group is said to have operated in communities including Osoya, Aboa, Osuboi No. 1, Opesika and surrounding areas, where they allegedly used motorbikes to patrol and carry out their activities.
Citi News sources indicate that the suspects reportedly assured cannabis farmers that they could protect them from police operations and raids in exchange for money.
The alleged impersonators had been under surveillance by the Eastern Regional Police Command’s Operations Unit for several months. Their arrest followed intelligence that they had returned to the communities to continue extorting farmers.
Personnel from the Regional Operations Unit are said to have mounted an early morning operation and arrested the suspects after they allegedly collected GH¢3,000 from farmers at Aboa.
During the operation, police retrieved a silver-coloured Toyota Voxy with registration number GE 8755-26, a pump-action gun and a pistol believed to have been used by the suspects.
The suspects have since been transported to the Eastern Regional Police Command in Koforidua, where they are assisting with investigations.