Police in the Ashaiman District have arrested a man identified as Francis Alidu for allegedly possessing quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp (weed) concealed in a sack of cassava.

The arrest, which took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at about 9:10 p.m., followed an intelligence-led operation coordinated between the Ho Police Command and the Ashaiman District Police.

According to police sources, the Ho Police earlier arrested a commercial driver in possession of several compressed slabs of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

Investigations revealed that the consignment was destined for a receiver based in Ashaiman, prompting the local police to mount surveillance in the area.

The Ashaiman Police subsequently tracked and arrested Francis Alidu at the KFC branch in Ashaiman, where he was allegedly expecting a delivery.

While being interrogated, the suspect reportedly received a phone call from another driver who informed him that a sack of cassava meant for him had been dropped in front of the restaurant.

Police officers quickly moved to the location and retrieved the sack.

A search conducted in the presence of the suspect uncovered eighteen (18) compressed slabs of substances believed to be Indian hemp hidden beneath the cassava.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to assist investigators in identifying other accomplices linked to the narcotics operation.

Police say Francis Alidu will be handed over to the Ho Regional Police Command for further investigation under Section 37(1) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).

Authorities assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.