Twenty-four suspected criminals, including alleged drug peddlers, have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service during an intelligence-led operation across several communities in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo and Abofour.
According to a police press release dated July 2, 2026, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities and enhance public safety in the region.
“The operation specifically targeted suspected drug peddlers, disrupted criminal activities, and led to the apprehension of other suspected criminal elements operating within the affected communities,” the statement said.
Police said a total of 24 suspects, made up of 21 men and three women, were arrested during the exercise. They were identified as Richmond Okyere, 49; Mark Appiah Kubi; Nkrumah Zakaria, 23; Paul Addo, 62; Louis Samba, 26; Azupeh Kelvin, 28; Stephen Opoku, 24; Fredrick Boakye, 20; Frimpong Yiadom, 33; Dennis Owusu, 21; Alfred Agyeman, 25; Owusu Davis, 24; Kwaku Agyemang Duah, 35; Akwasi Amankwah, 35; Solomon Asamoah, 27; Bushiru Alhassan, 19; Juliana Vivor, 17; Douglas Osei, 28; Kwabena Aikins, 38; Osman Ibrahim, 31; Amponsah Emmanuel, 40; Kwabena Fosu, 39; Ama Pokuah, 35; and Musah Haruna, 32.
Investigators disclosed that one of the suspects, Richmond Okyere, was allegedly found in possession of a pump-action gun bearing serial number 21GN-1918.
The operation also led to the retrieval of several exhibits, including an unregistered Toyota Highlander, an unregistered Toyota Camry saloon vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz saloon vehicle with registration number AS 8724-Z, an unregistered motorcycle, a pump-action gun, seven rounds of RED-STAR AAA cartridges, among other things.
Police said all the suspects remain in custody assisting with investigations, while the retrieved items have been retained as evidence.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, suspects found culpable will be put before the court,” the statement noted.
The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling drug-related offences and violent crime.
“The Ghana Police Service remains committed to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at combating drug-related offences, violent crime, and other forms of criminality to ensure the safety and security of the public,” the statement added.
The Police further appealed to members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by volunteering credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency channels.
Read the statement below
Source: Ghanaweb