Some of the suspects
NINETY THREE (93) people, including suspected drug barons in Kumasi and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality in the Ashanti Region, have been nabbed in a major police operation, aimed at stopping the sale and use of illicit drugs, as well as reduce criminal activities.
Giving the breakdown, the police disclosed that those apprehended during the successful security operation comprised 65 Ghanaian nationals and 28 Nigerian nationals, indicating that 58 of the suspects are males and 35 females.
A police statement, confirming the arrests, disclosed that “Among those arrested are Nurudeen Gafaru (28), Abdul Gafaru (29), Iddrisu Alhassan, alias “Tagor” (33), Akwasi Afriyie (27), and Prince Chidera Okekelawe (25), a Nigerian national.
“The suspects are believed to be key figures in the illicit narcotics trade within the region and are assisting the Police with ongoing investigations into suspected drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities.”
The police said the operation, which was conducted between July 15 and 24, 2026, saw the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) storming known ghettos and criminal bases in Kumasi and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality.
“During the period under review, the Special Operations Team carried out coordinated operations at Afari, Nkawie, Ntobroso, Ahodwo, Ampabame, Atonsu Ahensan, Atonsu Gyinyase, “Thinker” at Alabar, Asokore Mampong, Sawaba Adinyase, Buobai, Atimatim, Kronum, and Sawaba.
“The operations, conducted between July 15 and 24, 2026, formed part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, dismantle organised criminal networks, maintain law and order, enhance public safety, restore public confidence in policing, and strengthen intelligence-led policing across the country.
“The operations targeted identified criminal hideouts and suspected drug trafficking hubs,” Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, the Head of Public Affairs Unit of Ashanti Regional Police Command, disclosed in the press release.
He said exhibits recovered during the operations include “Forty (40) compressed parcels, each weighing approximately one kilogramme, containing substances suspected to be narcotic drugs. Quantities of 120 mg, 225 mg, and 250 mg Tramadol tablets.
“Quantities of Ecstasy tablets, three (3) wraps of substances suspected to be cocaine, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, thirty (30) locally manufactured toffees suspected to contain narcotic substances, suspected narcotic-infused beverages and narcotics processing materials.
“One (1) unregistered red motorcycle suspected to have been used in the distribution of narcotic substances, quantities of unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Crestor 10 mg tablets and PD Injection and quantities of expired pharmaceutical products, including Zentel (Albendazole 200 mg), Rantolidon, and Cytotec 200 microgram tablets.”
Superintendent Ahianyo stated that all 93 suspects, together with the retrieved exhibits, remain in police custody, with investigations and the necessary legal processes underway.
He said preliminary investigations uncovered suspected commercial sexual exploitation activities at one of the operational locations, noting that “Investigations are ongoing to establish possible links to organised exploitation networks, human trafficking facilitators, and immigration-related offenses.”
The Ghana Police Service, he disclosed, remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks, combating illicit drug trafficking, and protecting communities through sustained intelligence-led policing.
“The Service assures the public that these operations will continue across the country as part of its efforts to maintain peace, enhance public safety, and strengthen public confidence in policing,” he indicated.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi