The Ghana Police Service says 13 suspects have been arrested and large quantities of suspected narcotic substances seized during coordinated intelligence-led operations across Kumasi. Investigations remain ongoing as officers seek to identify others linked to the alleged distribution network.

KUMASI, Ghana — The Ghana Police Service says it has arrested 13 suspects and seized large quantities of substances suspected to be narcotics during coordinated intelligence-led operations targeting alleged drug trafficking networks across the Kumasi metropolis. The operations were carried out jointly by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command. According to police, investigations are continuing to identify other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged network.

Suspected narcotics recovered during a police anti-drug operation in Kumasi.

Police said the operations followed intelligence gathering that identified several locations suspected of being involved in the distribution and retail of illicit drugs. Searches were subsequently carried out in communities including Asawase, Asafo, Krofrom, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom and Atonsu-Bokuro. During the operations, officers recovered substances suspected to be cannabis, suspected cocaine, tramadol, ecstasy tablets, amphetamine tablets and other suspected controlled substances.

The Ghana Police Service said all recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination to establish the precise nature of the substances before they may be relied upon during court proceedings.

Operation at a Glance

Suspects arrested

Region

Ashanti Region

Main locations

Asawase, Asafo, Krofrom, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom and Atonsu-Bokuro

Operation type

Intelligence-led

Lead agencies

Ghana Police Service and IGP Special Operations Team

Current status

Suspects remanded pending court proceedings

Intelligence-led policing

Police said one of the operations conducted in Asawase resulted in the arrest of a 61-year-old suspect after officers searched a residence and adjoining shop where they reported recovering compressed parcels of substances suspected to be cannabis.

Subsequent operations in other parts of Kumasi led to further arrests and the recovery of additional suspected narcotic substances and controlled pharmaceutical products. Investigators believe the targeted locations formed part of an alleged distribution network identified through intelligence gathering. Police said investigations remain active as officers seek to identify additional suspects and determine the full extent of the alleged operation.

Why Kumasi?

Kumasi is Ghana’s second-largest city and one of West Africa’s most important commercial and transport centres. Its strategic road links connect southern Ghana with the northern regions and neighbouring countries, making the city an important hub for trade and logistics. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly relied on intelligence-led operations to disrupt organised criminal activity operating along these transport corridors, particularly offences linked to the trafficking of illicit drugs and other organised crime.

Court proceedings continue

According to the Ghana Police Service, all 13 suspects have appeared before court and have been remanded pending subsequent court dates. The allegations against the suspects have not yet been tested in court, and no convictions have been recorded. Criminal proceedings remain ongoing.

Wider context

The operation reflects the growing use of intelligence-led policing by Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised criminal networks rather than focusing solely on individual arrests. The Ghana Police Service says collaboration between regional commands and specialised operational teams has become an increasingly important strategy in tackling drug trafficking, reducing the availability of illicit substances and strengthening public safety.

Police appeal for public support

Police have appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations into suspected drug trafficking activities. The Service also commended officers from the IGP Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command for what it described as their professionalism and commitment during the coordinated operations.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Why this matters

Drug trafficking remains a significant public safety challenge in Ghana and across West Africa. Beyond individual arrests, intelligence-led operations seek to dismantle organised criminal networks responsible for distributing illicit drugs into communities. Law enforcement experts say sustained investigations, forensic evidence and public cooperation are essential components of long-term efforts to reduce organised crime.

Key Facts

Ghana Police arrested 13 suspects during coordinated operations across Kumasi.
Operations were intelligence-led and involved the IGP Special Operations Team and Ashanti Regional Police Command.
Officers recovered substances suspected to be cannabis, cocaine, tramadol, ecstasy tablets, amphetamine tablets and other suspected controlled substances.
All exhibits have been secured for forensic examination.
The suspects have appeared before court and have been remanded pending further proceedings.
Police say investigations remain ongoing.