National Security operatives numbered 13 have been allegedly nabbed at Konongo in the Ashanti Region.
The syndicate is said to have been illegally operating within the Asiwa enclave, taking monies from small-scale miners.
At around 12:00 pm on Friday, the main Kumasi-Konongo highway was blocked by a police patrol team to stop a speeding Land Cruiser said to be occupied by the said National Security operatives.
“We had a tip-off that some people from National Security have been operating in some mining communities in the Bosome Freho District,” a source told Media General‘s William Evans-Nkum.
“We quickly informed our commander who also ordered that we hunt them down.
“We heard they were driving towards Accra from Bomfa junction, so we quickly mounted a barrier in the main street and arrested them.”
There was a face-off, however, with six of the men clothed in military uniform which attracted civilians.
“The soldiers involved initially wanted to resist arrest. They even threatened our commander to strip him of his rank because they are reporting to a high authority.”
A rifle, single-bar guns, and some gold stones were retrieved from them.
Reports indicate that the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, also trooped in soon before the men were taken to the 4BN in Kumasi.
A joint police and military press release is expected to be issued on Monday, per the available reports.
By Lawrence Odoom