The Ghana Police Service has arrested 64 suspects in an operation at a lounge near Achimota Mile 7 in the Greater Accra Region over suspected unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The operation was conducted by the Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police (SOA), in collaboration with the National SWAT team.
According to the Police, the operation followed complaints from residents about suspected criminal activities at the lounge and its surrounding areas, including the alleged open display and possible trading of firearms.
During the operation, Police identified a blue, unregistered Acura vehicle at the location. A pistol holster was reportedly found inside the vehicle.
Police said no individual at the scene claimed ownership of the holster, resulting in the vehicle being impounded and conveyed to the Police Headquarters for further investigations.
One of the suspects, identified as Theophilus Ashon, allegedly presented himself to the Police as an officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Operations.
However, checks conducted by the Police reportedly established that Ashon was not a member of the Ghana Police Service.
A search conducted on Ashon allegedly led to the recovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol loaded with six rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The Police subsequently extended their investigations to Atico, where another suspect, identified as Michael Emmanuel Kingsley Mills, was arrested.
A search of Mills’ residence reportedly resulted in the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.
According to the Police, the items recovered from the residence included three pump-action guns, four pistols, 62 AA and BB cartridges and 54 rounds of 40-calibre ammunition, alongside other exhibits.
The Police said the recovered items have been secured as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected firearms-related activities.
The 64 suspects are currently in Police custody and are assisting investigators with inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged unlawful possession and suspected trading of firearms.
The Police said the suspects will be put before the court after the necessary investigative processes have been completed.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the security agencies to respond to reports of criminal activities and address concerns over the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Residents had reportedly raised concerns about activities around the lounge, prompting the authorities to conduct the operation.
The Police have not indicated that all 64 suspects were individually found in possession of firearms, and their involvement in any offence remains subject to investigation and court proceedings.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
Source: Thepressradio.com
