Two ganja farmers grabbed with firearms

The Volta North Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in separate operations for unlawful possession of firearms and cultivation of suspected cannabis, with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other exhibits.

In the first operation, the Police arrested a suspect, Saviour Dzadze, at Alavanyo-Dzogbedze in the Kpando District for alleged threat of death, unlawful possession of firearms and cultivation of suspected cannabis.

The suspect was arrested on October 14, 2026, at the premises of the Kpando Circuit Court after a complainant, Mr Dodzi Kpakpamikpe, identified him as the person who had allegedly threatened his life.

Police said a team subsequently accompanied the suspect and the complainant to a cottage believed to be the suspect's hideout at Alavanyo-Dzogbedze, where a search led to the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, a pump-action gun, a locally manufactured single-barrel gun, ten rounds of live AAA Lion cartridges and a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly told investigators that his brother, Foster Dzadze, an electrician based in Accra, gave him the pump-action gun and that he inherited the single-barrel gun from his late father.

He further claimed that he acquired the AK-47 rifle through a barter arrangement with a man identified only as Komla, who allegedly exchanged the weapon for cannabis cultivated by him.

The suspect reportedly said he did not know Komla's exact location.

Police said efforts are underway to locate Foster Dzadze and to identify and arrest the said Komla, while Saviour Dzadze remains in police custody assisting with investigations.

In a related development, the Kpando-based Marine Police have arrested a 31-year-old man, Vincent Lotsu, for alleged unlawful cultivation and possession of suspected cannabis at Mangoase in the Central Tongu District.

According to the Police, officers on routine patrol discovered a fenced wooden structure along the Volta Lake on September 13, 2026. A search uncovered a plantation of suspected cannabis and 16 sacks of dried leaves believed to be the same substance.

The suspect and the exhibits have been handed over to the Kpando Divisional Police Investigation Department.

The suspected narcotics have been sent to the crime laboratory for examination, while the suspect remains in police custody to assist with investigations and is expected to be arraigned before court.

The Volta North Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal firearms, drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the region.

The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Amening Oduro, cautioned individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly the youth, to desist from such acts, warning that the Police would pursue credible leads and bring offenders to book.

DCOP Oduro commended officers of the Kpando Divisional Command and the Marine Police Unit for their alertness, swift response and professionalism.

He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohonu, for his leadership and guidance, while acknowledging the media's role in informing the public and strengthening confidence in the Ghana Police Service.

The Command has assured residents that public safety and security remain its top priorities and has urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities in their communities.

GNA