The Ghana Police Service has arrested 54 suspected drug traffickers in a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across several suburbs of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The operations, led by the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team (SOT), targeted communities identified as hotspots for the sale and distribution of narcotic substances.

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According to a police statement issued on July 15, 2026, the exercise formed part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety.

“The operations targeted identified crime-prone communities, including Atwima-Koforidua, Abuakwa, Sofo Line Lorry Station, Ash Town, Ahwia, Bantama, Aputuogya, Krofrom, Pankrono, Tafo, Twumduase, Krofrom-Colombia and Alarba,” portions of the statement read.

Police said the operation led to the arrest of 54 suspects, comprising 49 men and five women. The suspects include 38 Ghanaians and 11 Malians.

The statement added that officers recovered large quantities of suspected narcotic substances and other items believed to have been used in drug-related activities.

“The operations resulted in the arrest of fifty-four (54) suspects, comprising forty-nine (49) males and five (5) females. The male suspects include eleven (11) Malian nationals and thirty-eight (38) Ghanaian nationals, all arrested in connection with various alleged drug-related offences,” it stated.

Police said the items seized include quantities of Tramadol tablets, hundreds of sealed packages containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, bottles of suspected narcotic drinks, narcotics processing materials, foreign cigarettes, 23 mobile phones, two casino jackpot machines and four unregistered motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the Police said all 54 suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations.

“All fifty-four (54) suspects, together with the recovered exhibits, remain in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations and will be put before the court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement said.

The Police further assured the public that intelligence-led operations targeting drug trafficking and other criminal activities would continue across the country.

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“The Ghana Police Service assures the public that intelligence-led operations targeting criminal activities, particularly illicit drug trafficking and related offences, will continue across the country. The Service remains resolute in its commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting persons engaged in criminal activities,” the statement added.

PRESS RELEASE:

POLICE MAKE SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS AND RECOVER LARGE QUANTITY OF SUSPECTED NARCOTICS IN INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATIONS ACROSS KUMASI pic.twitter.com/YomcBZ8zqK

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) July 15, 2026