245 suspected drug peddlers, prostitutes arrested in Ashanti
Police in the Ashanti Region have commenced the screening of 245 persons suspected to be drug peddlers and prostitutes in a massive swoop.
According to the police, the exercise was conducted simultaneously in various parts of the region including areas such as Asokwa, Manhyia, Suame, Ejisu and the Tafo Pankrono Divisions.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Ken Yeboah, addressing journalists on the swoop described the exercise as one of the biggest swoops in the region.
He said the command has commenced investigations and screening of the suspects, and those found culpable would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.
He indicated that, five (5) of the suspects who were found with substances suspected to be Indian hemp, have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigations.
Some of the suspected prostitutes
He added that, thirty-five (35) other female suspects also believed to be sex workers have been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit for further investigations.
COP Yeboah revealed that, he will inform the Nigerian High Commissioner about the activities of some of his nationals engaging in illicit activities in Ghana, when he visits the Command on Friday, 13th October, 2017.
He warned that police will not give heed to persons who would want to intercede for some of the suspects.
Breakdown of the hideouts of the suspects:
Ashanti Central Division – One hundred and two (102) suspects were arrested at Pampaso, PZ area, Ahodwo, Adam, Railways, Columbia and Kenyase-Abirem.
- Asokwa Division – Eighty-six (86) were rounded up at Ashfo BB, Neoplan station and Sokoban Wood Village.
- Manhyia Division – Twenty-six (26) suspects were picked up at Alaba, Tinker Island, Affordable Housing and Akwatia-Line.
4Ejisu Division – Sixteen (16) suspects were rounded up at Besease, Ejisu Zongo, Abenase and Onwie.
- Tafo-Pankrono Division- Nine (9) suspects were also rounded up at Pankrono, Ahwiaa and Moshie Zongo.
6Suame Division – Six (6) suspects were rounded up at Kotoko.
Monitoring the development for OTECNEWS’, Agya Sam Justice reported that the suspects are currently being screened at the Regional Police Command.
The screening, he told OTECNEWS, was aimed at gathering enough evidence for the suspects to be arraigned before the courts.
He said the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Issac Ken Yeboah, after briefing the media on the arrest, noted that his outfit realised that Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti region was no longer safe for business thus the swoop.
According to Agya Sam, Ken Yeboah warned that “no influential person should make an attempt to come to him to plead on behalf of the suspects”.
The Regional Command further indicated that the Nigerian High Commissioner has already informed him of a planned visit to discuss the conditions of Nigerian prostitute.
Source, otecfmghana.com/ Agya Sam