The Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in dismantling illicit drug networks in the Ashanti Region, arresting 54 suspects and seizing a massive haul of suspected narcotics, including thousands of restricted pharmaceutical tablets.
The high-intensity, intelligence-led crackdown was executed by the Inspector-General of Police (I.G.P.) Special Operations Team (SOT).
Operations targeted notorious crime hotspots and drug hubs across several Kumasi suburbs, including Krofrom, Bantama, Sofo Line, Abuakwa, and Tafo.
According to official police communications signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit in the Ashanti Region, Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, the coordinated sweeps are part of a broader national strategy.
“The operations form part of the Service’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking, disrupt criminal networks, enhance police visibility, and strengthen public confidence in policing,” Superintendent Ahianyo stated.
The exercise resulted in the detention of 49 males and five females. Among the suspects are 38 Ghanaian nationals and 11 Malian nationals, all currently held in connection with various drug-related offences.
A staggering quantity of contraband was recovered during the raids. Among the seized items were hundreds of packets and boxes of high-dosage Tramadol—including the ‘Tramaking’ and ‘Royal Tramadol’ brands—ranging from 125mg to 250mg strength. Under Ghanaian law, these high-strength synthetic opioids are strictly regulated prescription-only medications due to their widespread abuse.
In addition to the pharmaceuticals, police confiscated over 350 packages, wraps, and bags containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp (cannabis), alongside 13 bottles of a fruit juice branded ‘FEMUDE’, which investigators suspect is laced with narcotics.
Processing equipment, including 34 packs of rolling papers (Rizzlers) and scissors, were also retrieved, alongside 23 mobile phones, four unregistered motorcycles, and two casino jackpot machines.
The regional command reassured the public that the fight against organized crime remains unyielding.
“The Ghana Police Service assures the public that intelligence-led operations targeting criminal activities, particularly illicit drug trafficking and related offences, will continue across the country,” Superintendent Ahianyo added, expressing gratitude to local communities for providing timely information to assist law enforcement.
All 54 suspects remain in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations and are expected to be arraigned before the court as soon as preliminary inquiries are concluded.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana