Cocaine dealer, 27 others arrested in police swoop

The Accra Regional Police Command has apprehended 22-year-old Ussif Fauzan who was allegedly in possession of about 500 wrappers of some whitish substance suspected to be cocaine at Accra New town during a swoop.

Twenty-seven suspected criminals were also appre­hended in a three-day oper­ation that took place in sev­eral dens of criminals in Accra.

The police also retrieved a locally manufactured gun and wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indi­an Hemp from Kennedy Amponsah, 22, and Alidu Rashid, 25, respectively dur­ing a search.

Some persons suspected to be dealing in stolen mobile phones as well as fraudsters were also nabbed during the operation.

Accra Regional Police Commander, ACP Timothy Yoosa Bonga, who briefed the media on the operation, said the first exercise, which took place on July 6, 2016, was aimed at damp­ing down on criminals who constantly attack and snatch valuables such as hand bags, mobile phones, wal­lets, tablets and monies from traders, pedestrians and other law-abiding citi­zens on daily basis.

He said the exercise was conducted at Kantamanto- Abuja, Railways, Despite Lane, Tudu, Graphic Road, Farisco, Rawlings Park, Makola and UTC.

He disclosed that the suspects sometimes attack unsuspecting victims at gunpoint and create fear and panic in the major busi­ness district of the city.

"It was during a search on these suspects that the police retrieved a locally manufactured pistol from suspect Kennedy Ampon­sah while 98 wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, three pairs of scissors and a knife were also retrieved from suspect Alidu Rashid.

He stated that at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and its environs, the Police round­ed up 25 suspects between the ages of 20 and 26 who were into the sale of stolen mobile.

ACP Bonga said in all about 156 of the assorted mobile phones, including fake ones, were retrieved from the suspects who are being processed for court.

The Accra Regional Police Commander advised the public to desist from patronizing stolen goods and promoting activities of mobile phone fraudsters within these areas.

He said such items should be purchased at accredited shops and outlets where receipts can be demanded.

"Moreover, in our efforts to rid the business districts of criminal activities, the Police will also use this opportunity to advice the public to be security con­scious and be mindful of their valuables when going about their daily business."