The Ghana Police Service has arrested 44 suspects following an intelligence-led operation that dismantled an alleged drug distribution network accused of producing and supplying narcotic infused products to university students in the Ashanti Region.
The operation also led to the arrest of key suspects allegedly involved in producing cannabis laced toffees, cannabis infused alcoholic beverages and supplying cannabis to students in university communities.
A statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, said the operations were conducted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command between July 3 and 5.
It said the operations targeted identified criminal hotspots in the Kumasi Metropolis, including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding communities.
According to the statement, the operation led to the arrest of 44 suspects, comprising 41 males and three females, for various narcotics related offences.
Police intelligence indicated that the dismantled network had been operating around university communities, where it allegedly produced, distributed and sold narcotic infused products targeted at students.
The statement identified the principal suspects as Emmanuel Duah, 24, who allegedly produced cannabis laced toffees, advertised them on online platforms and sold them mainly to university students.
It said Richard Boateng, 45, allegedly produced cannabis infused alcoholic beverages for distribution to students, while Frederick Agyei is alleged to have been a principal supplier of cannabis to university students.
The police recovered 200 sachets of 225mg Tramadol (Trama King) tablets, quantities of 250mg Tramadol tablets, 400 sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, locally prepared fruit juice known as “Femude” suspected to contain narcotic substances, and a medium sized double door refrigerator containing locally prepared concoctions suspected to be narcotic substances.
Other exhibits included quantities of Rizla rolling papers, a sealed black polythene bag containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, and nine casino jackpot machines believed to have been used in illegal activities.
The statement noted that all the exhibits had been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes, while the suspects remained in police custody assisting with investigations.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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