CEPS intercepts stolen vehicle

Nsuhia (B/A), Feb. 09, GNA - Constant vigilance by Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) staff at the Nsuhia barrier in the Dormaa District of the Brong- Ahafo Region last Monday paid off when a stolen Benz 207 bus from Sefwi Kaase in the Western Region which attempted to break through the barrier was arrested.

Three occupants of the vehicle suspected to be members of a car snatching syndicate could however, not be apprehended despite combined efforts by CEPS staff and the youth of Nsuhia.

Narrating the incidence to the Ghana News Agency at Nsuhia, Mr. Stephen Fordjour of CEPS said on Monday February 5, 2007 at 1900 hours, the bus, with registration number GR 3108V approached the barrier from Nkrankwanta direction at high speed and blowing the horn pleading to be spared the normal inspection procedure to avoid delay, because of the emergency situation they were facing.

Mr. Fordjour said the driver's over-dramatization of the plea attracted the suspicion of the CEPS personnel and sensing danger, the occupants quickly alighted and pretended to be urinating behind the vehicle.

"Almost immediately, a Tico taxi cab pulled up from the same direction and a man on it who later claimed ownership of the 207 bus raised the alarm for the arrest of the suspects who had then vanished into the woods behind the barrier," Mr. Fordjour added.

He said later on, the chief of Nsuhia and the assemblyman were informed about the case and the vehicle was handed over to the owner after his documents were thoroughly examined.

The assemblyman for the area, Mr. Osei Gyaba Ramseyer commended the efforts of the CEPS staff at the barrier and urged them to keep up the spirit in order to ward off criminals and also step up mobilization of revenue for the district.

He also appealed to the public to build and sustain confidence in the security agencies and offer the necessary support to enable them to deliver.