The Anti-Armed Robbery Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested two individuals for unlawful possession of firearms.

This followed an intelligence-led operation carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, July 9.

The targeted operation, conducted at known hideouts in Nweneso, Trabuom, and Nkwawie, resulted in the arrest of Acheampong Kwadwo (21) and James Antwi Adjei (24).

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of two pump-action shotguns: one with serial number ASAO 2164 2021 and one without a serial number.

Both firearms are suspected to be stolen and were possibly intended for use in robbery operations across the Atwima Districts and the Greater Kumasi area.

The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The recovered firearms have been retained as exhibits for evidential purposes.

The police noted that further updates will be communicated in due course as investigations progress.

Established by an Act of Parliament in 2007, National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA’s) mandate includes regulating the possession and control of small arms and light weapons, with a particular focus on curbing illegal production, trade, transfer, and cross-border movement of such weapons that contribute to crime and insecurity.

A 2019 KAIPTC report revealed that 2.3 million small arms are in civilian hands, with over 1.1 million unaccounted for.