Police in the Central Region have arrested six men suspected to be involved in a livestock theft ring after intercepting two vehicles transporting stolen animals during an operation near Assin Besease.
The arrests were carried out by the Central North Regional Police Command following intelligence gathered on suspected livestock thieves operating in several communities.
According to police, the suspects were travelling in two separate vehicles when officers stopped them and discovered 27 goats and one sheep believed to have been stolen. Fourteen of the animals were already dead, while the remaining thirteen were still alive.
The first vehicle intercepted was a Mitsubishi Pajero (GR 9864-19) carrying four suspects and 15 goats along with one sheep. Police say the vehicle had reportedly moved through communities including Breman Asikuma, Kokoso, Amanfopong and Akyim Achiase before it was stopped on the Assin Bankyease road.
During the attempted arrest, a confrontation reportedly occurred between officers and the suspects, resulting in injuries to two of the suspects and one police officer. All three are currently receiving treatment at St. Francis Xavier Hospital.
A short while later, police also stopped a Toyota Highlander (GR 1623-16) along the Assin Maso Ochiso road. Two suspects in the vehicle were found transporting 11 goats.
Preliminary investigations indicate the group allegedly used maize mixed with chemicals to weaken the animals before stealing them. One of the suspects, who identified himself as Taakum, reportedly told investigators the animals became weak after eating the mixture, making them easier to capture.
The suspects, vehicles and recovered animals are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Police say the operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat livestock theft in parts of the Central Region, where farmers have increasingly complained about the loss of animals to criminal groups.
