IGP special operations team arrests suspected drug peddlers in Kumasi raids
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested several suspected drug peddlers and retrieved large quantities of suspected narcotic substances during intelligence-led operations across parts of the Kumasi Metropolis.
The operations, carried out at various locations identified as centres for the distribution and sale of illegal drugs, led to the arrest of more than a dozen suspects and the recovery of suspected cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy, amphetamine tablets, suspected cocaine and other controlled substances.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, the Police said the exercises formed part of ongoing efforts to crack down on drug trafficking and abuse in the Ashanti Region.
“The Ghana Police Service, through the Inspector-General of Police (I.G.P.) Special Operations Team (SOT), in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested several suspected drug peddlers and recovered substantial quantities of suspected narcotic substances during intelligence-led operations conducted across selected locations within the Kumasi Metropolis,” the statement read in part.
One of the major operations at Asawase resulted in the arrest of 61-year-old Kwame Afriyie, also known as “Con Papa” or “American Man”, whom police described as a notorious drug peddler.
A search conducted in his room and provision shop allegedly led to the recovery of 81 parcels of compressed substances suspected to be cannabis.
At Asafo, police arrested Kofi Acheampong, popularly known as “Mokobiley”.
A search of his room reportedly uncovered 311 transparent rubber sachets containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, 13 compressed parcels of dried leaves, 10 brown paper wraps containing black rock-like substances and quantities of restricted pharmaceutical products.
In a related operation at Krofrom, police arrested 22-year-old Michael Owusu Agyeman, a National Service personnel, who was allegedly found with 15 bottles of fruit juice suspected to have been laced with cannabis.
Further operations at Atonsu-Bokuro, Krofrom, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom and Asafo BB led to the arrest of Adamu Ibrahim, Stanley Boahene, Favour Emmanuel, Abubakar Sadick, Adwoa Serwaa Boamah, Paul Quagraine, Nana Kwasi Amo Peprah, Hamdiyah Ibrahim, Nicholas Adorku and Natson Yaaba.
According to police, all the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination while investigations continue to identify and arrest other persons linked to the illicit drug trade.
“All suspects have since been arraigned before court and remanded into Police custody to reappear on later dates,” the statement added.