The Greater Accra Police Command has made two arrests in connection with the transportation of suspected narcotic drugs. The arrests were made after the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe a police officer with GH¢30,000. According to the police, the operation was carried out by officers of the Bravo SWAT Unit on Friday, September 11, 2026. The police received intelligence about a Kia Rhino truck, with registration number GN 5581-13, allegedly transporting and distributing suspected narcotic substances in Accra.
The police intercepted the truck at Abofu, near Achimota, after tracing it from Kpandai in the Oti Region. The occupants of the truck fled after spotting the police, leaving the vehicle and its contents behind. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 175 compressed slabs of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs. The substances were concealed in three sacks and three “Ghana Must Go” bags. The truck and the recovered items were conveyed to the Accra Regional Police Headquarters for further investigation.
Two men, Mark Bangel, a trader residing in Kpandai, and Zakaria Arafat, a mechanic residing in Kpando in the Volta Region, claimed ownership of the truck and the recovered substances. According to the police, the two suspects attempted to influence the Bravo SWAT Unit Commander by offering him GH¢30,000 to secure the release of the truck and the recovered exhibits. The police said the suspects were arrested and the alleged bribe money was retrieved.
Further investigations have established that the suspects mentioned a third person, identified only as Salam, who allegedly drove the truck and its suspected narcotic cargo from Kpandai to Accra. The police said efforts are underway to apprehend Salam. The two suspects are assisting with investigations, while the suspected narcotic substances and the truck remain in police custody as exhibits.
The police operation was carried out after receiving intelligence about the suspected narcotic substances being transported in the Kia Rhino truck. The police have not disclosed the type of narcotic substance suspected, but it is believed to be a significant haul. The incident highlights the efforts of the Ghanaian police to combat the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances in the country.
The suspects, Mark Bangel and Zakaria Arafat, are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The police have expressed their commitment to investigating the matter and bringing all those involved to justice. The incident also raises concerns about the involvement of organized crime groups in the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances in Ghana.
The Ghanaian police have urged the public to provide information that could help in the fight against narcotic substances. The police have also warned those involved in the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances to desist from such activities. The incident highlights the need for continued collaboration between the police and the public to combat crime in Ghana.
Key points
- Two men arrested in Ghana for attempting to bribe police officer with GH¢30,000 over 175 suspected narcotic slabs.
- The suspects, Mark Bangel and Zakaria Arafat, claimed ownership of the truck and the recovered substances.
- The police are working to apprehend a third suspect, Salam, who allegedly drove the truck and its suspected narcotic cargo.
