Police in the Savannah Region have arrested two people after intercepting 73 parcels of a substance suspected to be cannabis during a highway operation, while rejecting what investigators say was an attempt to bribe officers to secure their release.

The suspected narcotics were discovered during a routine checkpoint operation on the Banda Nkwanta–Teslima road by the Bole District Police Command.

Police said officers stopped a Techiman-Wa-bound commercial vehicle for inspection after becoming suspicious about the contents of some luggage on board.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 73 parcels of a substance suspected to be cannabis concealed in bags.

The vehicle’s driver and a woman, believed to be in her forties and alleged to have claimed ownership of the consignment, were arrested and taken to the Bole Police Station to assist with investigations.

According to police sources, the woman told investigators the suspected narcotics were being transported to Sengye, a community near Bole.

Investigators are examining claims that the destination may be linked to illegal mining activities, although police said the intended use of the consignment has not yet been established.

Police sources further alleged that the suspects attempted to offer officers GHC300,000 in exchange for their release.

“We all agreed on principle and declined the offer and proceeded with the arrest in accordance with established police procedures,” a police source said.

The allegation has not been tested in court.

The two suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.

Police said the seized substance will undergo forensic analysis to confirm whether it is cannabis before formal charges are considered.