Omanghana
The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested 11 people accused of impersonating National Security operatives and extorting money from suspected cannabis farmers in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.
The suspects were apprehended during an early-morning, intelligence-led operation conducted by the command’s Regional Operations Unit at Aboa, a farming community in the Eastern Region.
According to reports, the group allegedly dressed in uniforms resembling those worn by National Security officers to convince residents that they were legitimate state security personnel.
The suspects reportedly travelled on motorbikes through remote farming communities, including Aboa, Osoya, Osuboi No. 1 and Opesika. They allegedly targeted people involved in cannabis cultivation and demanded money from them under the pretext of providing protection.
The group reportedly promised to shield the farmers from police raids and anti-narcotics operations in exchange for regular payments. Investigators believe the suspects used fear of arrest and the appearance of official authority to sustain the alleged extortion scheme.
Police had reportedly been monitoring the group’s activities for several months before the operation that led to the arrests. Officers moved into Aboa after receiving intelligence that members of the suspected syndicate had returned to the area to collect money from farmers.
The 11 individuals were reportedly arrested shortly after allegedly collecting GH¢3,000 from farmers in the community. Police are expected to retain the money and other items recovered during the operation as part of the evidence in the case.
The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigators as authorities work to establish the full extent of the operation, identify possible accomplices and determine whether similar incidents occurred in other communities.
Investigators are also expected to examine how the suspects obtained the uniforms allegedly used during the operation and whether the group had any connections to serving or former security personnel.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has cautioned members of the public against paying money to individuals who use security uniforms or official titles to demand unauthorised fees.
Residents have been encouraged to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a state security agency and report suspicious conduct to the nearest police station.
Police also reminded the public that impersonating a security officer and extorting money are criminal offences. Authorities said anyone found assisting such operations would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Source: Omanghana
