A taxi driver’s attempt to bribe his way out of arrest has failed after police in the Ho West District seized dozens of parcels of suspected narcotics during an early morning operation at Anyirawase in the Volta Region.
The suspect, 36-year-old Innocent Kpeglo, was arrested on January 31 after police received intelligence that he was transporting illicit substances from Dzolokpuita to Ho.
According to the Ho West District Police Commander, DSP Rockson Gyasi, officers mounted surveillance and intercepted the Opel taxi cab at about 0557 hours. Upon sighting the police, the driver allegedly attempted to feign engine trouble by opening the bonnet of the vehicle.
DSP Gyasi told the Ghana News Agency that the suspect quickly admitted he was transporting the suspected narcotics to a contact in Aflao and went further to offer the officers 5,000 cedi in a bid to have the matter dropped.
The officers rejected the bribe and escorted the suspect to the Anyirawase Police Station, where a thorough search of the vehicle was conducted.
The search, carried out beneath the back seat of the taxi, led to the discovery of 37 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana, which were seized as evidence.
The taxi cab, bearing registration number CR 675-12, was impounded, while the suspect was placed in custody to assist with investigations.
DSP Gyasi said the suspect has since been transferred to the Volta Regional Police Headquarters in Ho and is being processed for court on a charge of possession of narcotic substances.
Police say investigations are ongoing.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
