Yeji is increasingly becoming armed robbery operational zone in the Bono East region. Over the years, traders and passengers who ply that stretch have had it tough in hands these criminals who terrorise and reap them of their belongings.

Early this week, heavily armed police and military contingent stormed Yeji in an operation to rid the area of criminals.

The team comprising 50 officers and men from 3BN and six police officers – all from Sunyani launched the swoop in areas across Yeji which has gained notoriety for violent crimes in recent times.

The Wednesday morning special operation led to the arrest of 16 male suspects, correspondent Kwabena Manu reported.

Items retrieved from the suspects included; pistols, 35 rounds of ammunition, dismantled shotguns and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

Four suspects who were in possession of these sophisticated weapons were sent to the Bono East Regional Police Headquarters for interrogation.

They have been identified as Sumaila Ibrahim, Yakubu Ashadu, Tahiru Abdul Wahab and Joseph Larry.

Meanwhile, the 12 other suspects have been detained at the Yeji District Police Headquarters for screening.