Police have arrested 24 suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting drug peddling and criminal activity across seven Ashanti Region communities.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team (SOT) and the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

According to a statement from the Police Administration, the swoop took place across Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo, and Abofour, focusing on individuals suspected to be involved in drug-related offences and other criminal activities.

In all, 21 males and 3 females were arrested during the exercise.

Among those arrested is Richmond Okyere, 49, who was found in possession of a pump-action gun with serial number 21GN-1918.

Other suspects include Mark Appiah Kubi, Nkrumah Zakaria, Paul Addo, Louis Samba, Azupah Kelvin, Stephen Opoku, Frederick Boakye, Frimpong Yiadom, Dennis Owusu, Alfred Agyemang, Owusu Davis, Kwaku Agyemang Duah, Akwasi Amankwah, Solomon Asamoah, Bushiru Alhassan, Juliana Vivor, Douglas Osei, Kwabena Atkins, Osman Ibrahim, Amponsah Emmanuel, Kwabena Fosu, Ama Pokuah, and Musah Haruna.

The police also retrieved a number of exhibits, including one unregistered Toyota Highlander, a Toyota Camry, a Mercedes-Benz saloon vehicle with registration number AS 8724-Z, and an unregistered motorcycle.

Other items seized include a firearm safe, one pump-action gun with seven rounds of RED-STAR AAA cartridges, as well as suspected narcotics and related materials.

The substances recovered include 489 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, tramadol tablets in varying dosages, and Royal 225mg tablets.

Police also seized narcotics processing materials, bottles of Fembude drink suspected to contain narcotic substances, and locally made toffees believed to be laced with drugs.

Additional items retrieved include a Dell laptop, two LED television sets, boxes of “African Viagra,” 52 lighters, 12 crushers, ash residue linked to suspected drug use, and unspecified sums of money believed to be proceeds from illegal activity.

The Police Administration confirmed that all suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations.

It added that individuals found culpable will be prosecuted after investigations are completed.

The statement further noted that the Police remain committed to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at combating drug trafficking, violent crime, and other criminal activities across the country.

The Service also urged the public to support law enforcement by providing credible information through the nearest police station or official emergency channels.