Two young women are in police custody in Elmina. They are suspected of trying to deliver cannabis to inmates at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison. The arrest occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, at about 18:40 local time. Officers seized food items that included shito, a Ghanaian pepper sauce. According to police, the sauce contained a substance identified as cannabis, also called “Indian hemp” in local usage.
Inside the January 26 arrest
The suspects are Beauty Buerkie Buertey, 21, and Maura Amissah, 23. They arrived with food meant for inmates. Prison officers conducted a routine inspection. They found a container of shito. The contents raised concern. Officers detained the two women and informed the police. Investigators opened a case file and took custody of the items.
How officers uncovered the attempt
Search protocols require checks on all incoming packages. During the inspection, officers noted an unusual look and odor in the sauce. “Indian hemp” is a common term in Ghana for cannabis, a controlled drug. The shito was secured as evidence and sealed. Samples then moved under chain of custody for testing. This process helps preserve integrity and traceability.
What the lab found
Police say samples went to the Narcotics Control Commission in Cape Coast. The commission conducts forensic analysis of suspected narcotics. According to the police statement, the samples tested positive for cannabis. Further interviews and procedures are underway. Authorities have not announced specific charges yet.
Security context and procedures
Prisons face frequent attempts to move contraband inside. Food-based concealment exploits familiar items and routine deliveries. However, layered checks and rapid tests help block these efforts. In this case, the use of shito as a cover shows the need for strict screening. Clear documentation and chain-of-custody steps also support any future court process.
The two suspects remain in custody in Elmina as investigations continue. Police indicated that the laboratory report will guide the next legal steps. Authorities have not released further details at this stage.
