By Muyid Deen Suleman, GNA
Kumasi, June 26, GNA – The Ashanti Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police Special Operations Team, has arrested several suspected drug peddlers operating within and around the Kumasi Metropolis.
The police recovered substantial quantities of suspected narcotic substances following intelligence-led operations conducted across selected locations.
According to the police, the operations were directed at specific sites identified through intelligence gathering as hubs for the distribution and retail of illicit drugs.
One major operation, mounted at Asawase, culminated in the arrest of Kwame Afriyie, alias “Con Papa,” also known as “American Man,” aged 61, believed to be a notorious drug baron.
A press statement signed by DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Head of Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service, said a search conducted at the suspect’s room and provision shop resulted in the seizure of thirty-three (33) and forty-eight (48) parcels respectively, of compressed substances suspected to be cannabis.
The police further stated that a subsequent operation at Asafo, Kumasi, led to the arrest of Kofi Acheampong, alias “Mokobiley.”
A search of his room, the statement said, produced three hundred and eleven (311) transparent rubber sachets containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, thirteen (13) compressed parcels of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, ten (10) brown paper wraps containing black rock-like substances suspected to be narcotics, together with quantities of restricted pharmaceutical products.
In a related operation at Krofrom, the police arrested Michael Owusu Agyeman, 22, a National Service personnel, with fifteen (15) bottles of fruit juice suspected to have been laced with cannabis.
The statement added that further operations conducted at Atonsu-Bokuro, Krofrom, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom, and Asafo ‘BB’, resulted in the arrest of additional suspected drug peddlers, namely Adamu Ibrahim, 44; Stanley Boahene, 24; Favour Emmanuel, 23; and Abubakar Sadick, 28.
The rest are Adwoa Serwaa Boamah, 36; Paul Quagraine, 40; Nana Kwasi Amo Peprah, 47; Hamdiyah Ibrahim, 37; Nicholas Adorku, 39; and Natson Yaaba, 31.
The police said exhibits recovered during the operations included compressed parcels of suspected cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy tablets, amphetamine tablets, suspected cocaine, and other suspected controlled substances.
All seized items have been secured for forensic examination, while investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the illicit drug trade. It added.
The police noted that all suspects have since been arraigned before court and remanded into police custody to reappear on subsequent dates.
The Ghana Police Service reiterates its unwavering commitment to combatting the trafficking, peddling, and abuse of narcotic drugs, and urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing credible information regarding drug-related activities.
The Command also commended the I.G.P. Special Operations Team and personnel from the Regional Police Command for their professionalism, dedication to duty, and relentless efforts in dismantling criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
It said their continued commitment remained instrumental in enhancing public safety and sustaining law and order.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade