Ashanti Region: Police dismantle alleged drug network targeting university students, arrest 44 suspects

The Ghana Police Service has dismantled an alleged drug distribution network suspected of supplying narcotic-infused products to university students following a major intelligence-led operation across the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region.

The coordinated operation, carried out between July 3 and July 5, was conducted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics trafficking and organised crime.

Police said the operation resulted in the arrest of 44 suspects, including 41 men and three women, for their alleged involvement in various drug-related offences.

The security operation focused on several communities identified through police intelligence as centres for criminal activity and the distribution of illegal drugs.

The targeted locations included Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding areas within the Kumasi Metropolis.

According to police, the raids formed part of broader efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating in the Ashanti Region and prevent the circulation of illegal narcotics, particularly among young people.

One of the most significant outcomes of the operation was the dismantling of an alleged drug distribution syndicate believed to have specialised in producing and marketing narcotic-infused products to university students.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the network allegedly used both physical sales points and online platforms to advertise and distribute the products around university communities.

Investigators believe the operation had developed a structured supply chain that enabled narcotic products to reach students through multiple distribution channels.

Among the principal suspects arrested is Emmanuel Duah, 24, who police allege manufactured cannabis-infused toffees, promoted them through online platforms and sold them primarily to university students.

Another suspect, Richard Boateng, 45, is alleged to have produced cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages that were distributed within student communities.

Police also arrested Frederick Agyei, who is suspected of being a major supplier of cannabis to the network and its student clientele.

Investigators are working to establish the full extent of each suspect's alleged involvement as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the entire operation.

The police operation led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected narcotics and other items believed to have been used in the production and distribution of illegal substances.

Items recovered include:

• 200 sachets of 225mg Tramadol (Trama King) tablets.
• Quantities of 250mg Tramadol tablets.
• Approximately 400 sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances.
• Locally prepared fruit juice, popularly known as "Femude," suspected to contain narcotic substances.
• A double-door refrigerator stocked with locally prepared concoctions believed to contain narcotics.
• Quantities of Rizla rolling papers.
• A sealed black polythene bag containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotics.
• Nine casino jackpot machines believed to have been used in illegal activities.

Police said all the recovered exhibits have been secured and will undergo forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigations.

The Ghana Police Service confirmed that all 44 suspects remain in custody while investigators continue gathering evidence.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest additional individuals believed to be connected to the alleged drug syndicate in order to dismantle the entire supply network.

The Service noted that intelligence gathering and surveillance operations will continue as investigators pursue all persons suspected of participating in the illicit trade.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting educational institutions from narcotics-related crime.

The Service assured students, parents, school authorities and the general public that it will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks that target young people.

Police also expressed appreciation to members of the public whose information contributed to the successful operation and encouraged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts to combat crime across the country.