Police arrest 11 fake National Security operatives for extorting cannabis farmers
The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested 11 suspects accused of impersonating National Security operatives and extorting money from cannabis farmers in Aboa, a farming community in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.
According to police sources, the suspects allegedly wore National Security uniforms and travelled through several communities demanding money from residents, particularly those involved in cannabis cultivation.
The group is said to have operated in communities including Osoya, Aboa, Osuboi No. 1, Opesika and nearby areas.
Investigators say the suspects used motorbikes to move around the communities, promising cannabis farmers protection from police raids and law enforcement operations in exchange for money.
Police sources indicated that the group had been under surveillance by the Eastern Regional Police Command’s Operations Unit for several months.
Their arrest followed intelligence that they had resumed their extortion activities. Officers from the Regional Operations Unit reportedly mounted an early morning operation and apprehended the suspects shortly after they allegedly collected GH¢3,000 from farmers in Aboa.
During the operation, police seized a silver Toyota Voxy with registration number GE 8755-26, as well as a pump-action shotgun and a pistol believed to have been used by the suspects.
The 11 suspects have since been transferred to the Eastern Regional Police Command in Koforidua, where they are assisting with investigations.
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