Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested 15 traders
for dealing in contraband cigarettes, at the Central Market, at Kajetia in Kumasi.
They were Beatrice Foriwaa, 31, Kofi Amoako, 45, Mary Owusu Ankomah, 37, Eric Tweneboah Kodua, 38.
Others were Kwasi Kanga, 45, Faustina Ampote, 30,
Esther Obeng, 48, Michael Osei, 22, Yaw Boafo, 32, Alex Annoh, 32, Nso Kwaku, 33.
The rest were Mohammed Aminu, 49, Samuel Kwasi
Owusu, 30, Kwabena Appiah, 29 and Abass Gambo, 36.
Lance Corporal Godwin Ahianyo of the Ashanti Regional Public Affairs Unit said that the police upon a tip off arrested the suspects, who had in their possession five polythene bags and 15 cartons of Pall Mall, Gold Seal, Rothmans King-size and London King-size cigarettes.
He said the brands of cigarettes were not allowed to be sold in the country with the exception of the ones with the inscription "For sale in Ghana".
Lance Corporal Ahianyo said that the brands of cigarettes were smuggled into Ghana from neighbouring countries by people who invaded taxes and sold then for cheaper prices.
He said the suspects were in police custody following further investigations.
Lance Corporal Ahianyo urged the general public to
assist the police to arrest people selling contraband goods.