Mother and son held after police seize massive drug haul in Dormaa Ahenkro

The Bono Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit has intensified its crackdown on narcotics trafficking following the arrest of a 66-year-old woman and her adult son in Dormaa Ahenkro. The intelligence-led operation at Kumi Daa Street has resulted in one of the region's largest recent drug seizures, highlighting the ongoing battle against organised drug networks operating across Ghana's borders.

Mary Awuni and Maxwell Akukah were detained after police recovered an estimated 147 yellow compressed slabs of suspected Indian hemp from their residence. The operation also uncovered 270 boxes and 329 blisters of Tramadol—a prescription painkiller frequently abused and trafficked illegally—alongside 14 blisters of Rohypnol, a sedative often involved in criminal activities. Officers also seized approximately GH¢87,751 and CFA 2,000 in cash.

How the suspects were implicated

According to police statements, Mary Awuni's involvement appears connected to a broader trafficking operation. She reportedly told investigators that a man in Accra had entrusted her with the Rohypnol, cash and other items for delivery to someone in Côte d'Ivoire—suggesting the Dormaa Ahenkro location served as a transit point for cross-border smuggling. However, she admitted ownership of items found in her personal room.

Her son, arrested separately in another room, denied involvement initially. Maxwell claimed the suspected cannabis and Tramadol belonged to his brother, Anthony, who he said was away from Dormaa Ahenkro at the time of the raid. Investigators are continuing efforts to locate Anthony and establish his role in the operation.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case underscores Ghana's vulnerability to organised drug trafficking networks exploiting its position as a regional transit hub. The involvement of both a mother and son suggests family-based smuggling operations, whilst the intended destination of Côte d'Ivoire points to West African trafficking routes. Tramadol abuse has become particularly concerning in Ghana, with young people and commercial drivers becoming frequent victims of addiction.

The Bono Region, encompassing Dormaa Central and other municipalities, has emerged as a trafficking hotspot partly due to its proximity to Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. The scale of this seizure—147 parcels of cannabis alone—indicates either a major storage point or a significant single shipment destined for distribution.

The Bono Regional Police Command stated both suspects remain in custody assisting with investigations, with authorities vowing to identify and prosecute all persons involved. Police have renewed calls for public cooperation, urging residents to report suspicious activity that could help dismantle trafficking networks threatening community safety and public health.