The Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team, in a major crackdown on the illicit drug trade with support from the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested multiple suspected drug peddlers and seized a large cache of narcotic substances across the Kumasi Metropolis.
The intelligence-led operations targeted several known distribution hubs and sales centres in the metropolis.
According to a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit for the Ashanti Region, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, the coordinated operations led to significant arrests and recoveries in several suburbs, including Asawase, Asafo, Krofrom, Duase, and Buokrom.
In Asawase, the police arrested a suspected drug peddler, Kwame Afriyie (61), popularly known as “Con Papa” or “American Man”. A search in his room and provision shop led to the discovery of 33 and 48 parcels of compressed substances suspected to be cannabis.
At Asafo, Kofi Acheampong, also known as “Mokobiley,” was arrested for allegedly hoarding 311 transparent rubber sachets, 13 compressed parcels of suspected narcotic dried leaves, and 10 brown paper wraps containing a black rock-like substance suspected to be narcotics. Police also retrieved various restricted pharmaceutical products from his possession.
In a separate case at Krofrom, a 22-year-old National Service person, Michael Owusu Agyeman, was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of 15 bottles of fruit juice suspected to be laced with cannabis.
The operation also extended to Atonsu-Bokuro, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom, and Asafo BB, leading to the arrest of 10 additional suspected peddlers. They include Adamu Ibrahim (44), Stanley Boahene (24), Favour Emmanuel (23), Abubakar Sadick (28), Adwoa Serwaa Boamah (36), Paul Quagraine (40), Nana Kwasi Amo Peprah (47), Hamdiyah Ibrahim (37), Nicholas Adorku (39), and Natson Yaaba (31).
A wide range of exhibits were seized, including compressed parcels of suspected cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy tablets, amphetamine tablets, suspected cocaine, and other controlled substances.
Police say all exhibits have been secured for forensic examination, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the illicit drug networks.
All the suspects have since been arraigned before court and remanded into police custody, with further appearances scheduled on later dates.
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