The Ghana Police Service has intensified its fight against illicit drug trafficking following the arrest of ninety three suspects in a major intelligence driven operation targeting suspected narcotics networks across the Ashanti Region. The operation, carried out by the Inspector General of Police Special Operations Team, has been described as one of the significant security interventions aimed at dismantling organized criminal groups involved in the distribution of illegal substances within the region.
The arrests were made between July 15 and July 24, 2026, after a coordinated operation conducted across Kumasi, surrounding communities, and the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality. The exercise forms part of the Police Service’s broader strategy to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and related organized crimes that continue to pose security and public health challenges.
In a statement released on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Police Service disclosed that officers from the IGP Special Operations Team conducted targeted raids on several locations identified through intelligence gathering as suspected criminal hideouts and narcotics distribution centres. The operations covered communities including Afari, Nkawie, Ntobroso, Ahodwo, Ampabame, Atonsu Ahensan, Atonsu Gyinyase, Alabar, Asokore Mampong, Sawaba Adinyase, Buobai, Atimatim, Kronum, and Sawaba.
The ninety three individuals arrested comprise fifty eight males and thirty five females. Preliminary investigations by the Police indicate that sixty five of the suspects are Ghanaian nationals, while twenty eight are Nigerian nationals. The arrests highlight the cross border dimension of organized drug related activities and the growing need for stronger regional cooperation among security agencies to combat transnational criminal networks.
Among those apprehended are Nurudeen Gafaru, aged twenty eight; Abdul Gafaru, aged twenty nine; Iddrisu Alhassan, popularly known as Tagor, aged thirty three; Akwasi Afriyie, aged twenty seven; and Nigerian national Prince Chidera Okekelawe, aged twenty five.
The Police stated that the suspects are believed to be significant actors within the illicit narcotics trade in the Ashanti Region and are currently assisting investigators as authorities work to uncover the structure, operations, and possible wider connections of the criminal networks involved. The Service indicated that further developments may emerge as investigations progress and additional evidence is analyzed.
During the operation, security personnel recovered substantial quantities of suspected narcotic substances and other items believed to be connected to illegal drug distribution activities. Among the exhibits seized were forty compressed parcels, each weighing approximately one kilogram, containing substances suspected to be narcotic drugs.
The Police also confiscated quantities of Tramadol tablets, Ecstasy tablets, three wraps of substances suspected to be cocaine, dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, and thirty locally produced toffees believed to contain narcotic substances. The recovery of narcotics concealed in different forms highlights the evolving methods used by criminal groups to distribute illegal substances while attempting to evade law enforcement detection.
Additional items retrieved during the operation included suspected narcotic infused beverages, materials allegedly used in narcotics processing, an unregistered red motorcycle suspected to have been used for drug distribution, and various unregistered and expired pharmaceutical products.
Among the expired medicines discovered were Zentel, containing Albendazole 200 milligrams; Rantolidon; and Cytotec 200 microgram tablets. Investigators also recovered unregistered pharmaceutical products including Crestor 10 milligram tablets and PD Injection, raising concerns about the illegal circulation of medicines outside approved regulatory channels.
Beyond the narcotics related discoveries, the Police revealed that the operation uncovered suspected commercial sexual exploitation activities at one of the locations visited. Authorities have launched further investigations to determine whether the activities are connected to wider human trafficking networks, exploitation schemes, or immigration related offences.
The development introduces an additional dimension to the security operation because it suggests possible links between drug trafficking networks and other forms of organized crime. Security experts have repeatedly warned that criminal groups involved in narcotics distribution often operate through interconnected networks that may also facilitate human exploitation, illegal migration activities, financial crimes, and other unlawful operations.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed that all ninety three suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. The recovered exhibits have been secured as part of the evidence gathering process, with authorities indicating that appropriate legal procedures will be followed once investigations are concluded.
The operation reflects a renewed commitment by the Police Service to confront the growing threat posed by illicit drugs, particularly in urban centres where trafficking networks often exploit vulnerable communities. The Ashanti Region, as one of Ghana’s largest commercial hubs and a major transportation corridor, has frequently attracted attention from law enforcement agencies due to concerns over organized crime activities and the movement of illegal substances.
The fight against narcotics trafficking remains a major national security priority because of its connection to youth vulnerability, public health concerns, financial crimes, and broader criminal activities. Ghana, like many countries in West Africa, continues to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement institutions, intelligence agencies, and international partners to disrupt the supply chains that sustain illegal drug markets.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that similar intelligence based operations will continue across the country as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, prevent the spread of illicit substances, and improve public safety. The latest arrests represent a significant enforcement action, but authorities have emphasized that sustained intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and effective prosecution will remain essential in achieving long term success against organised narcotics trafficking in Ghana.
