IGP’s Special Operations Team, working with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, arrests multiple suspects, seizes suspected cannabis, cocaine, tramadol, ecstasy and other controlled substances in intelligence-led operations.
The Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking with a series of intelligence-led operations in the Ashanti Region, leading to the arrest of several suspected drug peddlers and the seizure of large quantities of suspected narcotic substances.
The operations, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, targeted locations identified through intelligence gathering as major centres for the distribution and sale of illegal drugs within the Kumasi metropolis.
One of the major breakthroughs occurred at Asawase, where police arrested 61-year-old Kwame Afriyie, popularly known as “Con Papa” or “American Man,” who is believed to be a notorious drug dealer.
A search of his room and provision shop led to the recovery of 81 parcels of compressed substances suspected to be cannabis, including 33 parcels from his room and 48 from his shop.
In a separate operation at Asafo, officers arrested Kofi Acheampong, also known as “Mokobiley.” Police recovered 311 sachets of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, 13 compressed parcels of suspected cannabis, 10 brown paper wraps containing suspected narcotics, and quantities of restricted pharmaceutical products.
Another significant arrest was made at Krofrom, where Michael Owusu Agyeman, a 22-year-old National Service personnel, was allegedly found with 15 bottles of fruit juice suspected to have been laced with cannabis.
Further operations at Atonsu-Bokuro, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom and Asafo BB resulted in the arrest of 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 also recovered additional exhibits, including suspected cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy tablets, amphetamine tablets, suspected cocaine and other controlled substances.
All the recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination, while investigations continue to identify and arrest other persons believed to be linked to the illicit drug trade.
The suspects have since been arraigned before court and remanded into police custody pending their next court appearances.
The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse across the country and appealed to the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing law enforcement operations.
The Service also commended the IGP’s Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their professionalism and dedication in disrupting organised criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
