6 arrested as police destroy 10 acres of cannabis farms

Six suspects have been arrested for allegedly cultivating cannabis in two communities in the Eastern Region following a police operation that led to the destruction of about 10 acres of cannabis farms.

The suspects, aged between 25 and 32, are currently in police custody assisting with investigations and are expected to be prosecuted.

According to a report by 3news.com on June 12, 2026, the cannabis plantations were located at Nsuta Aperade in the Okere District and Nsuta Hasi in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.

Accessing the farms reportedly required navigating through forests, farmlands, rivers and steep slopes, according to investigators made the locations attractive for the illegal activity.

Authorities discovered extensive installations on the farms, including long electrical cables and electric bulbs used to nurture cannabis seedlings before they were transplanted onto the larger plantations.

The suspects had also allegedly constructed structures fitted with air conditioners and other equipment to support their operations.

Police said a tip-off led officers from the High Risk Operations Directorate to Kyerematen in the Eastern Region, where the suspects were arrested.

Personnel from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department subsequently moved in to destroy and burn the cannabis farms.

NACOC destroys 50 tonnes of cannabis valued at GH¢50 million

Speaking after the operation, Director of the Police High Risk Operations Training Centre, Superintendent Dr Samuel Antwi Akomeah, stressed the need to tackle cannabis cultivation at its source.

"The target is the end users, we may not make any headway so we must tackle it from the source, which is those into the plantation of cannabis, because if they aren't planting the end user won't have access. In total we are talking about 7 acres of cannabis plantation at Nsuta Aperade and Nsuta Hasi. I am sure there are more. If you are into this cannabis plantation, it's high time you put an end to it because when we come at you, you would never see us," he said.

He issued a stern warning to others engaged in the illicit trade.

"Each and everyone into the cultivation of cannabis in this enclave must watch out, we will come like Kakai, there would be no room for escape. Even if you hide in the armpit of the Pope, we would get you. There would be no mercy; even for the cripple, the long arm of the law would deal with you," he warned.

Dr Akomeah further disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest some operators process cannabis for clients who allegedly mix it into beverages and food products for public consumption.

"One of the groups surprisingly had its product pounded and grounded using mortar and pestle. They confessed a client in Tema who used it in sobolo, biscuits and toffee. They adulterate several beverages too, the active ingredient in the cannabis is highly active. Be watchful what you drink," he indicated.

Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal cannabis cultivation in the region, where some residents are reportedly abandoning traditional farming activities in favour of the more lucrative trade.

Under Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), cannabis cultivation is prohibited unless conducted under a lawful licence for approved industrial or medicinal purposes with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels not exceeding 0.3 percent. Offenders are liable to arrest and prosecution.

MRA/VPO

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