The Upper West Regional Police Command has intercepted 192 compressed parcels of a substance suspected to be cocaine and arrested two persons in connection with an alleged narcotics trafficking network operating along the Kumasi-Wa route. Editorial Standards
The arrests form part of an intelligence-led operation aimed at disrupting the transportation and distribution of suspected illicit drugs in the Upper West Region.
The suspects have been identified as 26-year-old Abdulai Isaac, a driver’s mate, and Iddrisu Kamaldeen.
According to the Police, the two were arrested at different stages of an investigation into the alleged movement of suspected cocaine from Kumasi to Wa through the Bole enclave.
The Police said the operation followed intelligence indicating that suspected cocaine was being transported from Kumasi toward Wa.
Based on the information received, surveillance was mounted along the suspected route to monitor the movement of the consignment and identify persons allegedly involved in the network.
On September 6, 2026, the surveillance operation reportedly led to the interception of Abdulai Isaac at the ESP Bus Station in Wa.
A search of his backpack uncovered 192 compressed parcels containing a substance suspected to be cocaine. The substance was subsequently seized by the Police for further examination and investigation.
The discovery prompted investigators to widen their inquiries to establish the intended destination of the consignment and identify other individuals who may have been connected to its transportation or distribution.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Iddrisu Kamaldeen, whom the Police identified as one of the suspected customers linked to the seized substance. Corrections Policy
The Police said Kamaldeen allegedly admitted to being a customer of Abdulai Isaac. However, the allegations and reported admission will be subject to the judicial process, and the suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
To establish the nature of the seized substance, the Police, together with officers from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Wa, conducted a field test on September 14, 2026.
The test was carried out in the presence of the two suspects, their family members and Police officers. According to the Police, the results returned positive for cocaine.
Although the field test has informed the direction of the investigation, the seized substance remains part of an evidentiary process that may involve further examination and presentation before the court.
The two suspects have since been remanded and are expected to reappear before the court on October 9, 2026.Police said investigations are continuing to identify, locate and arrest other persons allegedly linked to the suspected narcotics trafficking network.
The ongoing inquiries are expected to focus on the source of the substance, the financing and logistics behind its transportation, the intended recipients and any wider network operating across the regions involved.
The interception highlights the role of intelligence gathering, route surveillance and inter-agency cooperation in efforts to prevent the movement of illicit drugs.
The involvement of NACOC officers in the field testing also reflects the importance of collaboration between law-enforcement and specialised drug-control agencies in handling suspected narcotics cases.
Drug trafficking remains a major concern for law-enforcement agencies because of its potential links to organised crime, financial exploitation, violence and public-health risks. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for members of the public to provide credible information that can assist in identifying suspicious activities while ensuring that investigations and arrests are conducted in accordance with the law.
The Upper West Regional Police Command has meanwhile reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting organised criminal networks and preventing the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs in the region.
As the case proceeds, the court will determine the legal status of the allegations against the two suspects.
Further details may emerge as Police investigations continue and additional persons, if identified, are brought before the appropriate authorities.