A major intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service has dealt a blow to suspected drug and criminal networks in the Ashanti Region, leading to the arrest of 24 suspects and the retrieval of firearms, suspected narcotic substances, vehicles and other exhibits.
The operation, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, targeted suspected drug peddlers and other criminal elements in Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo and Abofour.
A statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, revealed that the suspects comprised 21 men and three women.
According to the statement, Richmond Okyere, 49, was found in possession of a pump-action gun bearing serial number 21GN 1918.
Police also retrieved an unregistered Toyota Highlander, an unregistered Toyota Camry, a Mercedes-Benz saloon car, an unregistered motorcycle, the pump-action gun and seven rounds of Red Star AAA cartridges.
Other exhibits included a fireproof safe, 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, parcels of suspected narcotic substances, quantities of Tramadol tablets, narcotics processing materials, bottles of Femude drink, locally made toffees suspected to contain narcotic substances, a Dell laptop, two LED television sets, African Viagra, lighters, crushers, ash residue believed to be linked to narcotics use and cash suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
The statement said the suspects remained in police custody assisting investigations and would be arraigned before court if found culpable.
It reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations against drug-related crime.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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