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The Ghana Police Service has arrested six suspects believed to be part of a livestock-stealing syndicate after intercepting two vehicles transporting stolen animals in the Central Region.
The operation was conducted by officers from the Central North Regional Police Command following intelligence-led surveillance along the Assin Besease barrier.
Police said the suspects were travelling in two separate vehicles when they were intercepted with a total of 27 goats and one sheep suspected to have been stolen from multiple communities.
Out of the animals recovered, 14 goats were found dead while 13 were still alive at the time of the operation.
According to police, the first group of suspects was travelling in a Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number GR 9864-19. Four suspects were found in the vehicle carrying 15 goats and one sheep.
Shortly afterwards, officers intercepted a second vehicle, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GR 1623-16, which had two suspects on board transporting 11 goats.
Investigations suggest the suspects used chemical-laced feed to weaken the animals before stealing them. One suspect, who identified himself as Taakum, reportedly told investigators that the group mixed maize with chemicals to make the goats weak and easier to capture.
Police believe the Pajero vehicle had moved through several communities including Breman Asikuma, Kokoso, Amanfopong and Akyim Achiase before heading towards Assin Brofoyedru, where officers eventually intercepted the vehicle along the Assin Bankyease road.
During the attempted arrest, a gun battle reportedly broke out between the suspects in the Pajero and police officers, leaving two suspects and one police officer injured.
The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at St. Francis Xavier Hospital.
Police also arrested the second group travelling in the Highlander vehicle after observing suspicious driving behaviour along the Assin Maso Ochiso road.
The suspects, the two vehicles and the recovered animals remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The operation forms part of efforts by the Ghana Police Service to curb livestock theft in parts of the Central Region, a growing concern for farmers and residents in affected communities.
