Ashanti Region: Police arrest 44 suspects for producing and selling narcotic-laced products in universities
The Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested 44 people in a major crackdown on illicit drug trafficking in Kumasi.
The intelligence-led operations were conducted between 3rd and 5th July 2026 across criminal hotspots in the Kumasi Metropolis, including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding communities.
A statement signed by DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs Unit, Ashanti Region, said the operation led to the arrest of 41 males and 3 females for various narcotics-related offences.
A key outcome of the swoop was the dismantling of an alleged drug distribution network suspected of producing, distributing and selling narcotic-infused products targeted at university students.
“Police intelligence indicates that the network had been operating around university communities,” the statement noted on Wednesday.
Among the principal suspects arrested are Emmanuel Duah, 24, who is alleged to have produced cannabis-laced toffees, advertised them on online platforms and sold them primarily to students; Richard Boateng, 45, who is alleged to have produced cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages for distribution to students; and Frederick Agyei, who is alleged to have been a principal supplier of cannabis to university students.
Police also retrieved several exhibits including 200 sachets of 225mg Tramadol tablets, quantities of 250mg Tramadol, 400 sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, locally prepared fruit juice suspected to contain narcotic substances, and a refrigerator containing concoctions believed to be narcotic substances.
Other items retrieved were Rizla rolling papers and 9 casino jackpot machines believed to have been used in illegal activities.
“All exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes, while the suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations,” DSP Ahianyo stated.
The Ghana Police Service says it is pursuing additional suspects believed to be connected to the network “with the aim of dismantling every link in the supply chain and bringing all those involved to justice.”
The Service has assured the public, particularly students, parents and educational institutions, of its “unwavering commitment to protecting schools and communities from illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities.”
It also commended members of the public whose intelligence supported the operations and urged citizens to continue providing credible information to assist law enforcement.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
