The Ghana Police Service, through the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT), has arrested 54 suspects and recovered a large quantity of suspected narcotics and other exhibits during series of intelligence-led operations across Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The operations targeted several suburbs identified as crime-prone hotspots for the alleged trade in narcotic substances, including Atwima-Koforidua, Abuakwa, Sofo Line Lorry Station, Ash Town, Ahwia, Bantama, Aputuogya, Krofrom, Pankrono, Tafo, Twumduase, Krofrom-Colombia, and Alarba.

Suspects Apprehended

A total of 54 suspects, consisting of 49 males and 5 females, were arrested in connection with various alleged drug-related offences. The male suspects comprise 11 Malian nationals and 38 Ghanaian nationals.

Recovered Exhibits

During the operations, police retrieved a wide range of exhibits, which include:

- 70 tablets of 125mg Tramadol (Tramaking)

- 353 tablets of 225mg Tramadol (Tramaking)

- 85 tablets of 250mg Tramadol (Tramaking)

- 100 tablets of 250mg Royal Tramadol

- 58 boxes of 225mg Tramadol (Tramaking 100)

- 268 sealed transparent packages containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances

- 84 transparent sealed packages containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances

- 15 gold-sealed packages containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances

- 1 sealed black polythene bag containing seeds suspected to be narcotic substances

- 6 sealed rubber wraps containing suspected narcotic substances

- 1 polythene package containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances

- 13 bottles of "FEMUDE" branded fruit juice, suspected to contain narcotic substances

- 34 narcotics processing materials (Rizzlers)

- 13 pairs of scissors suspected to have been used in processing narcotic substances

- 11 boxes of assorted foreign cigarettes

- 23 mobile phones

- 2 casino jackpot machines

- 4 unregistered motorcycles

Legal Action and Ongoing Operations

All 54 suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The suspects will be arraigned before the court upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

The statement, signed by Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit for the Ashanti Region, assured the public that these intelligence-led operations targeting illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities will continue nationwide.

The police service also expressed appreciation to the public and urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to support community safety.