The Ghana Police Service has arrested 19 suspects during a special anti-crime operation in parts of the Kumasi metropolis.
The operation was carried out by the IGP Special Operations Team, led by Bawah Abdul Jalil and Samuel Mustapha Abenzuo, as part of efforts to clamp down on drug peddling and other criminal activities in the region.
According to a situation report dated March 25, 2026, a total of 111 personnel were deployed for the exercise, supported by 10 service vehicles, including an armoured carrier and a Black Maria used to transport suspects.
The team carried out intelligence-led patrols across several parts of the city before moving to Alaba and Thinker, which police say have been identified as hotspots for drug peddling and substance abuse. Officers conducted searches on pedestrians and shop operators in the area in an attempt to retrieve illegal drugs and other prohibited items.
During the operation, police arrested a shop operator identified as Ola Ruth after a search of her premises allegedly led to the discovery of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Officers later arrested 18 additional suspects in the same area, bringing the total number of arrests to 19.
Police said substances suspected to be heroin, cocaine, Indian hemp and opioids were among the items retrieved during the operation, along with materials believed to be used for drug consumption.
All the suspects were transported to the Suntreso District Police Headquarters, where they are currently in custody pending further investigations. The seized substances have also been handed over to the appropriate investigative units for forensic examination.
The police say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the IGP Special Operations Team to reduce crime and dismantle drug networks in Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti Region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
