'Aboboyaa' rider arrested with 397 slabs of 'wee' concealed in charcoal bags

A 48-year-old rickshaw rider has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service in the Bono East Region after officers discovered a large quantity of suspected narcotics hidden in bags of charcoal following a road crash in Techiman.

The suspect, identified as Robert Tannor, was apprehended on March 8, 2026, after the police recovered 397 slabs of dried plant material believed to be cannabis from the accident scene.

In a statement released on March 10, 2026, the Bono East Regional Command said Tannor was operating an unregistered Motor King tricycle, locally known as an ‘aboboyaa’, when the crash occurred near the Techiman Methodist Park at about 2:00 PM.

Police said they received a report of a collision involving the tricycle and a stationary Kia Rhino truck.

Initial observations indicated the tricycle was transporting 14 bags of charcoal.

Tricycle crash exposes 'Cannabis-in-Charcoal' scheme

However, a closer inspection by officers disclosed compressed slabs of suspected cannabis concealed within the charcoal bags, bringing the total number of slabs recovered to 397.

“Police immediately responded to the accident scene and discovered compressed slabs of suspected cannabis concealed in the charcoal bags. A total of 397 slabs were retrieved from the scene,” the statement said.

Tannor reportedly sustained serious leg injuries during the crash and was rushed to Holy Family Hospital in Techiman, where he is currently receiving treatment under police guard.

“The suspect rider who sustained severe leg injuries was rushed to Holy Family Hospital, Techiman for treatment and placed under police guard,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Kia Rhino truck involved in the collision reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident.

Police say investigations are ongoing and they have appealed to the public to volunteer any information that could help locate the truck driver and assist with the case.

Read the full statement below

MRA/AE

Did you know that there is a fort in Ghana that was not built for slavery? And did you know that it is in Elmina? Watch the story about Fort Jago here: