Wednesday, October 20, 2010

POLICE GRAB CATTLE DEALER WITH AK47 RIFLES (PAGE 29, OCT 21, 2010)

The Western Regional Police Command has arrested a cattle dealer who had in his possession two AK47 rifles fully loaded with ammunition.
The suspect, Saliu Mohammed, was arrested after he approached a policeman and asked if he could help him procure some AK47 rifles with fully loaded magazines.
The policeman therefore feigned interest in the deal and promised to get him two, each for GH¢400.00 .
The suspect, who was in the company of an agent from Takoradi, was arrested after he paid for the gun and skilfully dismantled and packed the weapon. His accomplice, however, managed to escape.
The suspect told the police that he was a trader who brought animals from the north to the south to sell and then used the money to purchase arms for the north.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Alhaji Hamidu Mahama, said they had information about the activities of some people buying guns and transporting them to the north. He said they did not take the issue lightly and therefore pursued it.
He said through their investigation, they were able to locate where the transaction would be taking place and sent men to lay ambush around the area.
He said fortunately the buyer appeared and the deal was struck after the amount and the place were agreed upon.
Alhaji Mahama said at about 10a.m. on the day in question, the suspect appeared with a guarantor, since he could not raise the GH¢800.00 for the two guns.
The regional commander gave an assurance that his men were ready to protect the interest of the public. He urged members of the general public to ensure that criminal activities were reported to the police, saying "public co-operation was vital to modern-day policing and the police value information from the public".
The regional police commander said the suspect had been remanded in custody, stressing that the police would intensify investigations to arrest his accomplice.

No comments: