The Inspector‑General of Police's Special Operations Team (SOT), in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

This followed sustained intelligence‑led operations conducted between 3 and 5 July 2026 across sections of the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region.

In a statement released, the operations targeted identified criminal hotspots including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding communities.

It cited that this resulted in the arrest of forty‑four (44) suspects, comprising forty‑one (41) males and three (3) females, for various narcotics‑related offences.

According to the report, a key outcome of the operation was the dismantling of an alleged drug distribution network suspected of producing, distributing and selling narcotic‑infused products targeted at university students.

However, police intelligence indicated that the network had been operating around university communities.

The statement revealed the principal suspects arrested are Emmanuel Duah, 24, who is alleged to have produced cannabis‑laced toffees, advertised them on online platforms and sold them primarily to students; Richard Boateng, 45, who is alleged to have produced cannabis‑infused alcoholic beverages for distribution to students; and Frederick Agyei, who is alleged to have been a principal supplier of cannabis to university students.

The operations also led to the recovery of two hundred (200) sachets of 225 mg Tramadol (Trama King) tablets, quantities of 250 mg Tramadol tablets, and four hundred (400) sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances.

It further disclosed locally prepared fruit juice ("Femude") suspected to contain narcotic substances, a medium‑sized double‑door refrigerator containing locally prepared concoctions suspected to be narcotic substances.

The report also cited quantities of Rizla rolling papers, one sealed black polythene bag containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, and nine (9) casino jackpot machines believed to have been used in illegal activities.

According to the police report, all exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes, while the suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations.

The Ghana Police Service has urged in pursuing additional suspects believed to be connected to the alleged drug distribution network with the aim of dismantling every link in the supply chain and bringing all those involved to justice.

Police Service assured the public, particularly students, parents and educational institutions, of its unwavering commitment to protecting schools and communities from illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

The Service also commended members of the public whose timely intelligence continues to support successful operations and encourages citizens to continue providing credible information to assist law enforcement in the fight against crime.

The statement released was signed by Goodwin Ahianyo, Dep. Superintendent of Police, Head Public Affairs Unit/ASH.