Police in Ashanti Region has arrested a 53-year-old man and seized large quantities of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages suspected to be laced with narcotic substances during an intelligence-led operation at Akyeremade in the Atwima Kwawoma District.
The operation, carried out by the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ashanti Regional Police on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at about 8:30 a.m., led to the arrest of Adjei Owusu Afriyie at a pub known as De-Vicky’s.
According to a police statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Command, a search conducted at the premises—particularly in the suspect’s store room—resulted in the retrieval of several items.
These included seven barrels of locally manufactured dry gin (akpeteshie), 56 branded Alomo gin bottles containing locally distilled gin, one barrel of sobolo, and one gallon of sobolo.
Preliminary assessments by the police indicate that the seized substances are suspected to be laced with narcotic drugs.
The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while the seized items have been secured for forensic examination. Police say further investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal activity and to identify possible accomplices.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating drug-related offences and safeguarding public health and safety.
