The Ghana Police Service in the Central Region has arrested two groups of suspects believed to be involved in a goat-stealing syndicate after intercepting vehicles transporting stolen livestock near the Assin Besease barrier.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the Central North Regional Police Command following intelligence-led surveillance in the area.
According to police sources, the first group was travelling in a Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number GR 9864-19. Four suspects were found in the vehicle together with 15 goats and one sheep.
Not long after, officers stopped another vehicle, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GR 1623-16, carrying two suspects and 11 goats.
In total, police recovered 27 goats and one sheep believed to have been stolen from several communities. Of the animals retrieved, 14 were already dead while 13 were found alive.
Investigators say preliminary information from one of the suspects, who identified himself as Taakum, indicates that the group allegedly used chemically treated feed to weaken the animals before stealing them.
“The maize is mixed with a chemical which makes the goats weak after eating it, making it easier for them to be captured,” the suspect reportedly told investigators.
Police believe the Pajero vehicle had travelled through several communities, including Breman Asikuma, Kokoso, Amanfopong and Akyim Achiase, before heading towards Assin Brofoyedru. Officers eventually intercepted the vehicle along the Assin Bankyease road.
During the attempted arrest, police say an exchange of gunfire occurred between officers and the suspects in the Pajero vehicle. Two suspects and a police officer sustained injuries during the confrontation.
All three are currently receiving medical treatment at St. Francis Xavier Hospital.
Meanwhile, the second group travelling in the Highlander was arrested after officers noticed suspicious movements along the Assin Maso–Ochiso road.
The suspects, together with the vehicles and the recovered animals, remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Police say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle livestock theft in parts of the Central Region, an issue that has increasingly affected farmers and residents in several communities.
ALSO READ:
