Police arrest alleged goat thieves, recover 28 animals in Central Region
The operation, carried out along the Assin Besease barrier by the Central North Regional Police Command, led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of 27 goats and one sheep.
Police in the Central Region say they have broken up two suspected livestock theft operations after intercepting two vehicles carrying goats and a sheep believed to have been stolen from several communities.
The operation, carried out along the Assin Besease barrier by the Central North Regional Police Command, led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of 27 goats and one sheep.
According to investigators, the first vehicle stopped was a Pajero with registration number GR 9864-19, which had four suspects on board. Officers say they found 15 goats and one sheep inside.
A short while later, police intercepted a Toyota Highlander, registration number GR 1623-16, with two suspects and 11 goats.
Of the animals recovered, police said 14 were dead while 13 were found alive.
Investigators believe the animals had been taken from different communities as part of a wider stealing syndicate.
One of the suspects, who identified himself only as Taakum, is said to have told police that the group used maize mixed with chemicals to weaken the animals before seizing them.
Police say the Pajero group had allegedly moved through a number of communities, including Breman Asikuma, Kokoso, Amanfopong and Akyim Achiase, before heading in the direction of Assin Brofoyedru, where officers intercepted the vehicle on the Assin Bankyease road.
During the attempt to arrest that group, police say an exchange of gunfire broke out.
The incident left two suspects and one police officer injured. All three are receiving treatment at St Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu.
The second group was arrested after officers noticed what police described as suspicious driving along the Assin Maso Ochiso road.
Police say the suspects, the two vehicles and the recovered animals remain in custody while investigations continue.
The command says the arrests are part of a wider effort to curb livestock theft in the region, where the crime has become an increasing concern for farmers and residents.
