The Ghana Police Service has arrested 24 suspected criminals, including alleged drug peddlers, during a major intelligence-led operation carried out across parts of the Ashanti Region.
The operation, undertaken by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, formed part of intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, violent crime and other criminal activities in the region.
The exercise covered Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo and Abofour, where the police swooped on suspected criminal hideouts.
According to the police, 24 suspects — made up of 21 men and three women — were arrested during the operation. They are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
The police said one of the suspects, Richmond Okyere, 49, was found in possession of a pump-action gun bearing serial number 21GN-1918 together with seven rounds of ammunition.
The operation also led to the retrieval of a large quantity of suspected narcotic substances and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The exhibits included two unregistered vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz saloon car, an unregistered motorcycle, a fireproof safe, 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, parcels of suspected narcotic substances, quantities of Tramadol tablets, narcotics processing materials, locally manufactured toffees and drinks suspected to contain narcotic substances, as well as three boxes of products labelled as African Viagra.
Other items recovered were a Dell laptop, two LED television sets, 52 lighters, 12 grinders used for processing narcotic substances, ash residues believed to be associated with drug use, and various sums of money suspected to be proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command said all the exhibits had been retained for evidential purposes while investigations continue.
It added that suspects found culpable would be arraigned before court upon the completion of investigations.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, the Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations to combat drug-related offences and other forms of criminality.
The police also appealed to members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by volunteering credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or the designated emergency channels.
The command said such public cooperation remained vital in ensuring the safety and security of residents across the Ashanti Region.
