Police in the Upper East Region have uncovered a suspected escape tunnel at the residence of a 36-year-old man arrested over the alleged distribution of illicit drugs at Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District.

The suspect, identified as Tumbana Ane, was arrested during an operation by the Upper East Regional Police Command, which resulted in the seizure of 38 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

According to the police, the substances were discovered during a search of Ane’s residence.

Officers also recovered other prohibited substances, including Tramadol, as investigations intensified into the suspect’s alleged involvement in the illicit drug trade.

The discovery of the tunnel has raised further concerns about the activities allegedly being carried out from the residence.

The Police suspect the tunnel may have been constructed as a hiding place for illicit substances or as a possible escape route to evade law enforcement officers.

The Command said preliminary investigations have also uncovered information linking Ane to the alleged operation of brothels at an illegal mining site at Wuru, a suburb of the Kayoro community in the Kassena-Nankana West District.

The latest development forms part of intensified police operations targeting the distribution and use of prohibited drugs as well as other criminal activities in the Upper East Region.

The Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other individuals who may be connected to the alleged operations.