Ashanti police seize 2,600 rounds of AK-47 ammunition in major highway interception
By DL News
Published
1 min read
During a routine stop-and-search on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, officers discovered the items concealed in plastic paint buckets aboard a Kia Granbird commercial bus
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has disrupted what is believed to be a significant arms-running operation after intercepting a large cache of ammunition and tactical gear at the Asankare Police Barrier on the Accra–Kumasi highway.
During a routine stop-and-search on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, officers discovered the items concealed in plastic paint buckets aboard a Kia Granbird commercial bus with registration number GT 5771-18, reportedly heading toward the northern part of the country.
According to ACP Cephas Arthur, Deputy Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, the seized items included:
2,600 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition
Two military-grade bulletproof vests
Ballistic helmets
Tactical boots
Police say the combination of high-calibre ammunition and body armour points to a well-resourced criminal network prepared for armed confrontation, rather than opportunistic crime.
ACP Arthur underscored the strategic importance of the interception, coming on the eve of crossover church services and mass end-of-year gatherings, noting that the Command is on elevated alert to neutralise security threats during the festive period.
He further assured the public of enhanced visibility and operational presence along major transit routes and residential corridors on 31 December, adding that investigations have been launched to trace the origin of the ammunition, identify the end-users and dismantle the wider supply chain.
The driver and passengers of the bus are currently assisting police with enquiries, and the Command has signalled that further arrests are likely as intelligence is developed.
As part of a broader public safety advisory, the Ashanti South Regional Command is urging citizens to:
Secure homes before leaving for church services or events, ensuring all access points are locked and reinforced.
Leverage community vigilance, notifying trusted neighbours if they will be away for extended periods.
Report suspicious activity immediately by calling emergency lines 191 or 112, especially in relation to unfamiliar vehicles or loitering individuals.
ACP Arthur reiterated that personnel remain fully deployed to ensure that the New Year transition is peaceful, secure, and free from major criminal incidents.
