Ghana Police Arrest 24 Suspects in Major Ashanti Region Drug and Crime Crackdown

In a major breakthrough for public safety, the Ghana Police Service has arrested 24 suspects following a massive, intelligence-led crackdown in the Ashanti Region. The operation, executed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in close collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, specifically targeted illegal drug distribution rings and active criminal operations disrupting local communities.

The security sweep spans multiple key communities within the region, successfully targeting criminal elements in Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo, and Abofour. Police officials confirmed that the multi-pronged operation led to the apprehension of 21 males and 3 females, dealing a significant blow to local networks of drug peddlers and illicit actors.

As documented in the official police release, HMiIdfvWUAAl0-6.jpg, the names and ages of the 24 individuals taken into custody include:

Richmond Okyere (49) – found in possession of a pump-action gun (Serial No. 21GN-1918)

Mark Appiah Kubi

Nkrumah Zakaria (23)

Paul Addo (62)

Louis Samba (26)

Azupeh Kelvin (28)

Stephen Opoku (24)

Fredrick Boakye (20)

Frimpong Yiadom (33)

Dennis Owusu (21)

Alfred Agyeman (25)

Owusu Davis (24)

Kwaku Agyemang Duah (35)

Akwasi Amankwah (35)

Solomon Asamoah (27)

Bushiru Alhassan (19)

Juliana Vivor (17)

Douglas Osei (28)

Kwabena Aikins (38)

Osman Ibrahim (31)

Amponsah Emmanuel (40)

Kwabena Fosu (39)

Ama Pokuah (35)

Musah Haruna (32)

Massive Stash of Weapons, Vehicles, and Narcotics Confiscated
During the raids, law enforcement officers recovered an extensive list of incriminating exhibits, linking the suspects to widespread illegal trade and firearms possession. Among the confiscated items were several vehicles—including an unregistered Toyota Highlander, an unregistered Toyota Camry saloon car, a Mercedes-Benz saloon car (registration AS 8724-Z), and an unregistered motorcycle. Officers also secured a fireproof high-security safe and a pump-action shotgun loaded with seven rounds of RED-STAR AAA cartridges.

Beyond the machinery and weaponry, the operation uncovered a sophisticated illicit drug distribution hub. As detailed in the continuation sheet HMiIcnbWsAA66rJ.jpg, the police seized:

489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, alongside multiple sealed parcels of narcotic substances.

241 Tramadol tablets (90 tablets of 225mg, 140 tablets of 250mg, and 11 Royal 225mg tablets).

38 narcotics processing materials, 12 crushers, and 52 lighters.

40 locally produced toffees and bottles of "Femude" drink, both suspected to be heavily laced with narcotics.

Three boxes of "African Viagra" and four quantities of ash residue indicative of active drug use.

Digital equipment including a Dell laptop and two LED televisions, alongside significant sums of cash suspected to be direct proceeds from drug sales.

Next Steps for the Ghana Police Service
All 24 suspects are currently being held in police custody, where they are assisting authorities with ongoing investigations. The Ghana Police Service has retained all recovered items as vital evidence, confirming that every suspect found culpable will face formal prosecution in a court of law as soon as investigations wrap up.

In a public statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo (Head of the Public Affairs Unit for the Ashanti Region), the police reiterated their unwavering commitment to intelligence-led operations designed to eradicate drug-related offenses, violent crime, and societal threats. Law enforcement authorities continue to urge the public to support these security efforts by reporting suspicious activities to local police stations or via designated emergency hotlines.