Over 70 AK47 assault rifles illegally stashed at Alavanyo - Police

Police in the Volta Regional Police say they have discovered a stockpile of ammunition in the Alavanyo area in the Hohoe Municipality.

DCOP Francis Doku, Regional Police Commander said over 70 AK47 assault rifles are being kept in a location in the conflict-prone area, where guns are being manufactured.

He fears community members would employ all means available to restrict the security services from impounding the said ammunition due to their personal interests.

“…when it comes to the manufacture of gun, Alavanyo is leading across the country and even in West Africa…as we speak there are people who go there on duty to guard the manufacturing base.

“So as weapons are being exported into Alavanyo, they themselves are manufacturing weapons. What are they manufacturing them for? To go and kill grasscutters?” he quizzed journalists at a press conference Wednesday.

Four people died last Monday following a shootout between youth in Alavanyo Dzogbedze and security officials.

The police said victims were caught up in a crossfire between the military and some unknown assailants

Related: 2 dead in crossfire between military, assailants at Alavanyo

“Knowing the area to be conflict-prone, the local SWAT organised themselves and moved in to search for the arms about 3: 00 pm on Sunday,” the police commander told Joy News.

He said the assailants might have gotten wind of the police operation because as the SWAT team entered the town, they were attacked by some youth who successfully wrestled an AK-47 rifle from the outnumbered police.

According to his narration, the police informed the military in the area who decided to retrieve the AK-47 rifle.

The military went to the traditional ruler in Alavanyo Dzogbedze to inform him about their intended operation with the hope that he will prevail on his subjects to surrender the arms.

“The chief promised the military that he will personally bring the rifle to the barracks at 10 am on Monday,” DCOP narrated.

But this has not happened.

DCOP Doku said the interested parties will go all out to defend their position.

When asked what has prevented the police from going in to pick up those in charge of it and confiscating the guns, he said, “so if we begin picking them one by one are we not reducing the numbers?...and will they allow us to do that?”

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