ACCRA — A police operation at a lounge around Achimota Mile 7 in the Greater Accra Region has resulted in the arrest of 64 suspects, with several firearms and a large quantity of ammunition recovered.
The operation was conducted by the Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police (SOA), working in conjunction with the National SWAT team.
The exercise followed complaints from residents in the area over activities they suspected were linked to crime at the lounge and its immediate surroundings.
According to the Police, some of the complaints centred on the alleged open display of firearms and suspected attempts to trade in firearms within the area.
The concerns prompted the security operation, during which officers moved into the area to screen persons present and investigate suspected unlawful possession of weapons.
One of the items that attracted the attention of investigators was a blue Acura vehicle which had not been registered.
A pistol holster was found inside the vehicle, but officers were unable to immediately establish its owner.
Police subsequently impounded the vehicle and conveyed it to the Police Headquarters, where further investigations are being conducted.
During the operation, a man identified as Theophilus Ashon reportedly claimed to be a Police officer attached to CID Operations.
His claim, however, did not withstand verification, as checks conducted by the Police established that he was not a serving Police officer.
A subsequent search of Ashon allegedly led to the discovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol.
The weapon was reportedly loaded with six rounds of 9mm ammunition at the time it was recovered.
Investigators then extended their inquiries beyond the initial location as they pursued leads arising from the operation.
Those investigations led officers to Atico, where another suspect, identified as Michael Emmanuel Kingsley Mills, was arrested.
Police said a search of Mills’ residence produced a significant cache of firearms and ammunition.
Among the items allegedly recovered from the residence were three pump-action guns and four pistols.
Investigators also found 62 AA and BB cartridges, together with 54 rounds of .40-calibre ammunition, according to the Police.
Other items described as exhibits were also taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
The arrests and recoveries have intensified Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged possession and possible movement of firearms in the Achimota area.
The 64 suspects remain in Police custody and are assisting investigators with inquiries into the various allegations.
The Police have indicated that the suspects will be put before the court after the completion of the necessary investigations and processes.
