Police arrest 93 suspected drug traffickers in Major Ashanti Region crackdown

The Ghana Police Service has arrested 93 suspects, including individuals believed to be major players in the illicit narcotics trade, during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across the Ashanti Region.

The operations, undertaken by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) between July 15 and July 24, 2026, targeted Kumasi, nearby communities and the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, the Police said officers raided several suspected drug dens and criminal hideouts in communities including Afari, Nkawie, Ntobroso, Ahodwo, Ampabame, Atonsu Ahensan, Atonsu Gyinyase, Alabar, Asokore Mampong, Sawaba Adinyase, Buobai, Atimatim, Kronum and Sawaba.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 93 suspects—58 men and 35 women. Preliminary investigations indicate that 65 are Ghanaians, while the remaining 28 are Nigerian nationals.

Among those arrested are Nurudeen Gafaru, 28; Abdul Gafaru, 29; Iddrisu Alhassan, also known as "Tagor," 33; Akwasi Afriyie, 27; and Nigerian national Prince Chidera Okekelawe, 25.

According to the Police, the suspects are believed to be prominent figures in the region's illegal narcotics trade and are assisting investigators in ongoing probes into suspected drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities.

The operation also uncovered suspected commercial sexual exploitation at one of the locations searched. Investigators are examining possible links to human trafficking, exploitation syndicates and immigration-related offences.

Police recovered a significant quantity of suspected narcotics, including 40 compressed parcels weighing approximately one kilogram each. Officers also seized quantities of Tramadol and Ecstasy tablets, three wraps of substances suspected to be cocaine, dried leaves believed to be narcotic substances, and 30 locally manufactured toffees suspected to contain narcotics.

Additional items retrieved included suspected narcotic-infused drinks, equipment believed to have been used in processing narcotic substances, an unregistered red motorcycle allegedly used in drug distribution, and a quantity of unregistered and expired pharmaceutical products.

The expired medicines recovered include Zentel (Albendazole 200mg), Rantolidon and Cytotec 200 microgram tablets, while the unregistered pharmaceutical products include Crestor 10mg tablets and PD Injection.

The Ghana Police Service said all 93 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with the recovered exhibits being processed as evidence for prosecution.

The Service assured the public that similar intelligence-driven operations would continue across the country as part of sustained efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks, combat organised crime and enhance public safety.