The Ghana Police Service says its Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) has arrested 93 suspects, including several alleged drug barons believed to be involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit narcotic substances, during sustained intelligence-led operations across Kumasi, its suburbs and the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality in the Ashanti Region.

According to the police, the operations were conducted between 15 and 24 July 2026 as part of the Service's ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, dismantle organised criminal networks, maintain law and order, enhance public safety, restore public confidence in policing and strengthen intelligence-led policing across the country.

The operations were carried out at Afari, Nkawie, Ntobroso, Ahodwo, Ampabame, Atonsu Ahensan, Atonsu Gyinyase, Thinker at Alabar, Asokore Mampong, Sawaba Adinyase, Buobai, Atimatim, Kronum and Sawaba, targeting identified criminal hideouts and suspected drug trafficking hubs.

The operations resulted in the arrest of 93 suspects, comprising 58 males and 35 females. Preliminary investigations indicate that 65 are Ghanaian nationals, while 28 are Nigerian nationals.

Among those arrested are Nurudeen Gafaru (28), Abdul Gafaru (29), Iddrisu Alhassan, alias "Tagor" (33), Akwasi Afriyie (27), and Prince Chidera Okekelawe (25), a Nigerian national.

The police said the suspects are believed to be key figures in the illicit narcotics trade within the region and are assisting with ongoing investigations into suspected drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities.

The police also said preliminary investigations uncovered suspected commercial sexual exploitation activities at one of the operational locations. It said investigations are ongoing to establish possible links to organised exploitation networks, human trafficking facilitators and immigration-related offences.

According to the Police, the following items were recovered during the operations:

- Forty compressed parcels, each weighing approximately one kilogram, containing substances suspected to be narcotic drugs.

- Quantities of 120mg, 225mg and 250mg Tramadol tablets.

- Quantities of Ecstasy tablets.

- Three wraps of substances suspected to be cocaine.

- Quantities of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances.

- Thirty locally manufactured toffees suspected to contain narcotic substances.

- Suspected narcotic-infused beverages.

- Narcotics processing materials.

- One unregistered red motorcycle suspected to have been used in the distribution of narcotic substances.

- Quantities of unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Crestor 10mg tablets and PD Injection.

- Quantities of expired pharmaceutical products, including Zentel (Albendazole 200mg), Rantolidon and Cytotec 200 microgram tablets.

The Ghana Police Service said all 93 suspects, together with the retrieved exhibits, remain in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations and the necessary legal processes.

The service reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks, combating illicit drug trafficking and protecting communities through sustained intelligence-led policing, adding that the operations will continue across the country as part of efforts to maintain peace, enhance public safety and strengthen public confidence in policing.

This version adheres closely to the source statement, preserving its qualifications, chronology and terminology without adding interpretation or conclusions.