Interpol demolishes gun-for-motorbike barter trade in Lome

Interpol in Lome, Togo, has demolished an alleged guns for motorbikes barter trade between criminals in Ghana and their counterparts in neighbouring Togo.

Under the deal, Ghanaians send guns to the Togolese in exchange for stolen motorbikes.

Amartey Boboh 29, a native of Big-Ada in the East Ada District and Patrick Korshie, 19, from Avenorpedo, were last Wednesday found with two short-guns and picked by the police for questioning, as investigations into the secret exchange deal deepens.

A source close to the Ghanaian security, told the GNA at Aflao that some Togolese robbers who were arrested recently in Lome stated during interrogations that their operational guns were provided by accomplices from Ghana, but gave names.

The source who preferred to remain anonymous, said the Togolese robbers further revealed that the Ghanaians accepted motorbikes from them in payment for the weapons and then smuggle the bikes into Ghana for sale.

The source said consequently, a Togolese security bait brought Boboh and Korshie into Togo last Wednesday with the two locally manufactured guns, where they were picked up.

He said Togolese and Ghanaian security personnel had since escorted the two to Abor in the Keta Municipality, where they claimed the guns were procured.

The source said Interpol in the two neighbouring countries were continuing with investigations.