The Ghana Police Service has arrested 54 suspects and seized a large quantity of suspected narcotic substances and other items during a series of intelligence-led operations across several suburbs of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The operations were carried out by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in communities identified by the police as centres for the suspected trade in narcotic substances.
The areas included Atwima-Koforidua, Abuakwa, Sofo Line Lorry Station, Ash Town, Ahwia, Bantama, Aputuogya, Krofrom, Pankrono, Tafo, Twumduase, Krofrom-Colombia and Alarba.
In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Police Regional Headquarters in Kumasi on July 15, 2026, and signed by the Head of the Unit, Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, the police said the exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, dismantle criminal networks, increase police presence and build public confidence.
The statement said 49 of the suspects are men and five are women. Among the men are 11 Malian nationals and 38 Ghanaians, all being held in connection with various alleged drug-related offences.
According to the police, exhibits recovered during the operation included 70 tablets of 125mg Tramadol (Tramaking), 353 tablets of 225mg Tramadol (Tramaking), 85 tablets of 250mg Tramadol (Tramaking), 100 tablets of 250mg Royal Tramadol and 58 boxes of 225mg Tramadol (Tramaking 100).
The police also recovered 268 sealed transparent packages, 84 transparent sealed packages and 15 gold-sealed packages containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances. Other items seized included a sealed black polythene bag containing seeds suspected to be narcotic substances, six sealed rubber wraps and one polythene package containing suspected narcotic substances.
Other exhibits listed by the police were 13 bottles of fruit juice branded FEMUDE, suspected to contain narcotic substances, 34 narcotics processing materials (Rizzlers), 13 pairs of scissors believed to have been used in processing narcotic substances, 11 boxes of assorted foreign cigarettes, 23 mobile phones, two casino jackpot machines and four unregistered motorcycles.
The statement said all 54 suspects and the recovered exhibits remain in police custody to assist with investigations. It added that the suspects would be put before the court after investigations are completed.
The police said intelligence-led operations targeting criminal activities, especially illicit drug trafficking and related offences, would continue across the country. The Service said it would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute people involved in criminal activities.
The statement also appealed to the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support police efforts to maintain peace, safety and security in communities across the country.
