The Ghana Police Service has arrested 24 suspects in a special intelligence-led operation aimed at tackling drug trafficking and other criminal activities in parts of the Ashanti Region.
The exercise was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team together with the Ashanti Regional Police Command. Officers conducted raids in Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo, and Abofour as part of ongoing efforts to improve security and crack down on crime in the region.
According to a police statement issued on Thursday, July 2, the operation focused on suspected drug dealers and other individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects, made up of 21 men and three women.
Police identified one of the suspects as 49-year-old Richmond Okyere, who was allegedly found with a pump-action gun bearing serial number 21GN-1918.
“As part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities in the Ashanti Region and enhance public safety, the Ghana Police Service has intensified its intelligence-led operations. In all, twenty-four (24) suspects, comprising twenty-one (21) males and three (3) females, were arrested,” the statement said.
During the operation, officers also seized several items believed to be connected to criminal activities. These included an unregistered Toyota Highlander, an unregistered Toyota Camry saloon car, a Mercedes-Benz saloon vehicle, an unregistered motorcycle, a pump-action gun, and seven rounds of ammunition.
Police further recovered a fireproof safe, 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, parcels of suspected narcotic substances, quantities of Tramadol tablets, materials believed to have been used to process narcotics, bottles of drinks suspected to contain narcotic substances, locally made toffees believed to be laced with drugs, a Dell laptop, two LED television sets, boxes of African Viagra, lighters, crushers, ash residue suspected to be linked to narcotics use, and various sums of money believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
The Police said all the suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations, while the recovered items have been kept as evidence.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, suspects found culpable will be put before the court,” the statement noted.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to using intelligence-led operations to combat drug offences, violent crime, and other forms of criminal activity across the country.
“The Ghana Police Service remains committed to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at combating drug-related offences, violent crime and other forms of criminality to ensure the safety and security of the public,” the statement added.
Police also encouraged the public to support crime-fighting efforts by reporting suspicious or criminal activities through the nearest police station or the appropriate emergency channels.
