Seventy-one suspected criminals arrested in Sekondi-Takoradi

Sekondi, Aug. 23, GNA -- A combined team of the Police, Army, Airforce and Navy in an early morning swoop on Sunday, arrested 71 suspected criminals at two notorious criminals hideouts within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

The operation which was under the command of Major Abu Alhassan of the Second Battalion of Infantry (2BN) was the second phase of the operation "Calm Life," which aims at getting rid of all criminals and misfits from the Sekondi-Takoradi Twin-City.

The suspects were arrested at the two notorious crime areas of Amanful and Old Axim Station, for various offences ranging from being in possession of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, possession of military accoutrements and causing obstruction.

One of the suspects, Papa Ekow, dressed in military uniform took to his heels on seeing the team but was knocked down by a salon car while crossing a major road.

He received minor injuries on his lower limbs and was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment. Items found on them included a chainsaw, three car jacks, 13 spanners, two hacksaw blades, a shovel, a hammer, a saw, a cutlass and two chisels.

Some of the suspects were arrested for loitering. A Police spokesman told newsmen later that they would be put before court after investigations.

Meanwhile, the Western Regional Police Command has appealed to the citizenry to co-operate and desist from obstructing the team. It also asked drivers to be alert on the road and desist from unnecessary interference, adding that such unlawful behaviours would be severely punished.

The public should also give information to the security personnel, who are on day and night patrols to make operation "Calm Life" a success, the Police Command added.