The Ghana Police Service has arrested 19 individuals during a special anti-crime operation targeting drug peddling and other criminal activities in parts of the Kumasi metropolis.
The operation was carried out by the IGP Special Operations Team, led by Bawah Abdul Jalil and Samuel Mustapha Abenzuo.
The police, in a statement noted, issued on March 25, 2026, revealed that a total of 111 personnel were deployed, supported by 10 service vehicles, including an armoured carrier and a Black Maria used for transporting suspects.
The team conducted intelligence-led patrols across several parts of the city before focusing on Alaba and Thinker, areas police identified as hotspots for drug peddling and substance abuse.
Officers carried out searches on pedestrians and shop operators in an attempt to retrieve illegal drugs and other prohibited items.
A shop operator identified as Ola Ruth was arrested after a search of her premises allegedly led to the discovery of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
“Officers later arrested 18 additional suspects in the same area, bringing the total number of arrests to 19,” the statement noted.
Police said substances suspected to include heroin, cocaine, Indian hemp, and opioids were among the items retrieved, along with materials believed to be used for drug consumption.
The suspects have been transported to the Suntreso District Police Headquarters and are currently in custody pending further investigations.
The seized substances have been handed over to the appropriate investigative units for forensic examination.
