Police arrest 54 suspects, seize large quantity of suspected narcotics in Kumasi operations

The Ghana Police Service has arrested 54 suspects and seized a large quantity of suspected narcotic substances during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across several communities in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The operation, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team (SOT), targeted areas identified by the police as hotspots for the alleged sale and distribution of narcotic substances. The affected communities included Atwima-Koforidua, Abuakwa, Sofo Line Lorry Station, Ash Town, Ahwia, Bantama, Aputuogya, Krofrom, Pankrono, Tafo, Twumduase, Krofrom-Colombia and Alarba.

According to the police, the suspects comprise 49 men and five women. Among the male suspects are 11 Malian nationals and 38 Ghanaians.

During the operation, officers recovered significant quantities of suspected drugs, including various strengths of Tramadol tablets, dozens of boxes of Tramadol products, and hundreds of sealed packages containing dried leaves believed to be narcotic substances.

Police also retrieved a sealed bag containing seeds suspected to be narcotics, several wrapped packages of suspected drugs, and 13 bottles of “FEMUDE” branded fruit juice believed to contain narcotic substances.

Other items seized included 34 narcotics-processing materials known as Rizzlers, 13 pairs of scissors suspected to have been used in drug processing, 11 boxes of assorted foreign cigarettes, 23 mobile phones, two casino jackpot machines and four unregistered motorcycles.

The police said all 54 suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations. They are expected to be arraigned before court after investigations are completed.

In a statement signed by Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the service assured the public that intelligence-led operations targeting illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities would continue across the country.

The police also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and appealed for continued support through the provision of timely and credible information to help improve community safety.