13 suspected drug peddlers arrested in Kumasi police operations
The intelligence-led operations were carried out by the Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
Thirteen suspected drug peddlers have been arrested during police operations across the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led operations were carried out by the Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
Police say the exercise targeted locations identified as centres for the sale and distribution of suspected narcotic substances.
The operations covered areas including Asawase, Asafo, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom and Asafo BB.
At Asawase, police arrested 61-year-old Kwame Afriyie, popularly known as Con Papa or American Man.
A search of his room and provision shop allegedly led to the discovery of 33 parcels and 48 additional parcels of compressed substances suspected to be cannabis.
In a separate operation at Asafo, police arrested Kofi Acheampong, also known as Mokobiley.
Police say a search of his room uncovered 311 transparent rubber sachets containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances.
Officers also retrieved 13 compressed parcels of dried leaves and 10 brown paper wraps containing black rock-like substances suspected to be narcotic drugs.
Quantities of restricted pharmaceutical products were also recovered.
At Krofrom, police arrested 22-year-old National Service personnel Michael Owusu Agyeman after he was allegedly found with 15 bottles of fruit juice suspected to have been laced with cannabis.
Ten other suspects were arrested when the operation was extended to other communities within the metropolis.
They have been identified as 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.
Police say the exhibits recovered during the operations included compressed parcels of suspected cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy tablets, amphetamine tablets, suspected cocaine and other suspected controlled substances.
All exhibits have been secured for forensic examination.
The Police Service says investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other persons connected to the illicit drug trade.
All 13 suspects have been arraigned before court and remanded into police custody pending their next appearances.
In a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, the Police Service said the operations form part of efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and reduce the availability of illegal drugs in communities.
The Service urged the public to continue providing credible information on drug-related activities.
It also commended members of the IGP Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their role in the operation.
