Police Arrest 19 in Anti-Crime Operation in Kumasi
IGP Special Operations Team targets drug hotspots, seizes suspected narcotics and related materials
The Ghana Police Service has arrested 19 individuals during a targeted anti-crime operation in parts of Kumasi.
The exercise was conducted by the IGP Special Operations Team under the leadership of Bawah Abdul Jalil and Samuel Mustapha Abenzuo, as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the Ashanti Region.
According to a situation report dated March 25, 2026, the operation involved 111 personnel, supported by 10 service vehicles, including an armoured carrier and a Black Maria for transporting suspects.
Security officers carried out intelligence-driven patrols across various parts of the city before focusing on Alaba and Thinker Island areas identified as major centres for drug peddling and substance abuse. Searches were conducted on pedestrians and shop operators to uncover illegal drugs and other prohibited items.
During the exercise, a shop operator, Ola Ruth, was arrested after a search of her premises reportedly uncovered dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. A further 18 suspects were arrested in the same area, bringing the total number of arrests to 19.
Police say substances believed to be heroin, cocaine, Indian hemp, and opioids were retrieved, along with items suspected to be used for drug consumption.
All suspects have been transferred to the Suntreso District Police Headquarters, where they remain in custody as investigations continue. The seized substances have also been forwarded to relevant units for forensic analysis.
Authorities say the operation is part of broader efforts to dismantle drug networks and reduce crime in Kumasi and across the Ashanti Region.
