Police arrest 24 suspects in major intelligence-led operation in Ashanti Region

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT), in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested 24 suspects during a major intelligence-led operation conducted across several communities in the Ashanti Region.

According to a press release issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters on July 2, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities and improve public safety in the region.

The exercise was carried out in Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo, and Abofour. Police said the operation targeted suspected drug peddlers and other criminal elements believed to be operating within the affected communities.

In total, 24 suspects — made up of 21 males and three females — were arrested. One of the suspects, Richmond Okyere, 49, was found in possession of a pump-action gun bearing serial number 21GN-1918.

Police also retrieved a number of exhibits during the operation, including an unregistered Toyota Highlander, an unregistered Toyota Camry, a Mercedes-Benz saloon car with registration number AS 8724-Z, an unregistered motorcycle, a pump-action gun, seven rounds of RED-STAR AAA cartridges, and a fireproof high-security safe.

In addition, officers seized 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, parcels and sealed packages of substances believed to be narcotics, quantities of Tramadol tablets, narcotics processing materials, drinks and locally made toffees suspected to be laced with narcotic substances, a Dell laptop, LED television sets, boxes of African Viagra, lighters, crushers, ash residues believed to be associated with narcotics use, and various sums of money suspected to be proceeds from the sale of narcotic substances.

The Police said all the suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while the exhibits have been retained for evidential purposes. Suspects found culpable will be put before the court upon the completion of investigations.

The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at combating drug-related offences, violent crime, and other forms of criminality.

Police also appealed to the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or the designated emergency channels.