Two arrested after Police uncover suspected narcotics hidden in fertiliser sacks at Asawase Market

Two men have been arrested following an intelligence-led operation at the Asawase Market in Kumasi, where police uncovered suspected narcotic substances concealed in fertiliser sacks.

The operation was conducted on July 21, 2026, after the Police received credible intelligence that illegal drugs were being transported in bags designed to appear as fertiliser consignments.

Acting on the information, officers from the Manhyia District Police Command, with support from personnel of the Manhyia Divisional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Zongo Police Station, mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the two suspects.

The suspects have been identified as 37-year-old Osman Bassein and 38-year-old Mohammed Abdul-Razak.

According to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, officers conducted a search in the presence of independent witnesses and recovered 13 fertiliser sacks.

Further examination of the bags revealed second-hand clothing used to conceal 100 compressed parcels of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs.

Police said all the exhibits were photographed at the scene in accordance with evidential procedures before being secured for forensic analysis.

The two suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

The Police said the suspects would be processed in accordance with the law once investigations are completed.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information that led to the successful operation.

It also encouraged residents to continue supporting the fight against crime by reporting suspicious activities through the Police emergency numbers 191 and 112 or the MTN toll-free line 18555.