About 119 bags containing slabs of dried substance, suspected to be Indian hemp, has been intercepted by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), at Dabala, in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The bags were being transported to an unknown location when the truck broke down along the way.
The truck had been impounded while the driver is currently in police custody to assist investigations.
The slabs of the suspected narcotic substance, had been wrapped with brown cello tape and rubber and concealed in 100 kilograms sacks which had been sworn at the edge.
The Acting Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA, Alhaji Iddrisu Iddisah Seidu, in an interview with the Ghanaian Times, who confirmed the interception of the suspected narcotic substance, said the exact quantity and weight of each sack or slabs would be established by the Narcotics Control Commission when they receive the bags.
He said the Eastern Corridor Monitoring Task Force of the Division, which responds to issues concerning smuggling and cross -border crimes along Ghana’s borders with Togo, intercepted a van carrying 26 sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp at Wute near Akatchi in the Region.
Alhaji Seidu said that the driver was arrested after he attempted to escape, but his truck developed a fault after bumping into a ramp on the road.
During interrogation, he said, it was established that there was a bigger truck also carrying contraband goods, which had broken down at Avadre, near Ziope.
Alhaji Seidu said the occupants on the van allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled when the team got closer to the truck.
He said the team further retrieved the bags which had been moved to a house close by, to conceal it from the security agencies.
Alhaji Seidu said the suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigations, adding that suspects currently on the run were being pursued by the police.
He warned drug traffickers and persons involved in other border crimes to desist from their activities as security personnel were alert to arrest criminals.
The Head of the Eastern Corridor Monitoring Task Force, Revenue Officer, Abdullah Dari, called on Ghanaians to support efforts by law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal activities, by reporting any untoward movements and activities of persons in their communities.
Alhaji Seidu warned the public, particularly youth, against the use of drugs.
BY TIMES REPORTER
