Policeman busted for extorting money from drug dealers

A police officer faces likely interdiction after personnel of the Drug Enforcement Unit arrested him and two others for extorting money from drug dealers in Kumasi on Tuesday.

Corporal Solomon Kwakye was picked up with a former Community Police assistant and a taxi driver at the Atonsu suburb.

The ex-assistant of the Community Police Unit, Bright Otchere, was attached to Suame Police Station while the third accomplice, Collins Antwi, a floating cabbie.

Bright’s alleged misconduct conduct already led to the interdiction and remand of two police personnel from Manhyia and Ashanti Central Division for similar offences.

Nhyira News sources say officials of the Drug Enforcement Unit have been on high alert, following reports of police personnel using the unit’s name to arrest and extort money from drug peddlers.

Relatives of alleged drug dealers arrested by the unscrupulous personnel often run to its offices, apparently to secure their release only to find out no suspect is there after all.

Following a tip- off, police moved in to apprehend the three who attempted to escape just as they arrived in a taxi at known drug hub.

The three attempted to escape upon seeing police from the Drug Enforcement Unit in a Hollywood movie style but their efforts were thwarted.

A complete set of police uniform and two handcuffs were found on the suspects upon a search.

Commander of the Drug Enforcement Unit, ASP Jeremiah Alale, declines comment on the issue, and directs Nhyira News to the Public Relations Unit.

Nhyira News checks reveal Regional Police Commander, DCOP Nathan Kofi Boakye, who interrogated the suspects has called for immediate interdiction of Corporal Kwakye.

Meanwhile, Corporal Kwakye and his accomplices would be paraded before journalists at a press briefing on Wednesday.

– joy