Police arrest 52-year-old man over 37 parcels of suspected Indian hemp in Tema

The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man, Ibrahim Saani, for allegedly possessing 37 parcels of substances suspected to be Indian hemp at New York, near Airport Junction.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by a police team in the area at about 7 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the Tema Regional Police Command, ASP Dede Dzakpasu, officers retrieved a bag containing 37 parcels of compressed substances suspected to be Indian hemp and a crusher.

The suspect was subsequently taken to the police station with the items retrieved for further investigation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Saani may have been involved in the distribution of suspected narcotic substances in New York and nearby communities.

The police said intelligence gathered during their investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly pretended to be mentally unwell to conceal his suspected activities.

The suspected substances will be sent for forensic examination to determine their nature and assist investigators in establishing whether other people were involved.

The police have not disclosed whether any other suspects have been identified in connection with the case.

The Tema Regional Police Command said Saani would be put before the court once investigations had been completed.

“The suspect and his accomplices, if any, will be arraigned before the court as soon as investigations are completed,” the statement said.

The outcome of the forensic examination is expected to help investigators establish the nature of the substances seized and determine the next steps in the case.

The Command has cautioned the public against involvement in the possession, distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs.

It also urged residents with credible information about suspected narcotics-related activities to report to their nearest police station.