Ghana Police Arrest 24 in Major Anti-Crime Swoop in Ashanti Region

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The Ghana Police Service has arrested 24 suspected criminals in a major intelligence-led operation across the Ashanti Region. The suspects were apprehended in communities identified through intelligence gathering as areas where suspected criminal elements were operating. The operation, undertaken by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, targeted suspected drug peddlers and other individuals believed to be involved in organised criminal activities. The suspects were held in custody to assist with investigations, while the recovered exhibits have been retained for forensic examination and evidential purposes.

The operation was part of intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, violent crime, and other criminal activities in the region. The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations aimed at improving public safety and maintaining law and order across the country. Community cooperation is vital in the fight against crime, and the police are urging the public to volunteer credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency channels.

The suspects included Richmond Okyere, 49, who was allegedly found in possession of a pump-action shotgun bearing serial number 21GN-1918. Other suspects included Mark Appiah Kubi, Nkrumah Zakaria (23), Paul Addo (62), Louis Samba (26), Azupeh Kelvin (28), Stephen Opoku (24), Fredrick Boakye (20), Frimpong Yiadom (33), Dennis Owusu (21), Alfred Agyeman (25), Owusu Davis (24), Kwaku Agyemang Duah (35), Akwasi Amankwah (35), Solomon Asamoah (27), Bushiru Alhassan (19), Juliana Vivor (17), Douglas Osei (28), Kwabena Aikins (38), Osman Ibrahim (31), Amponsah Emmanuel (40), Kwabena Fosu (39), Ama Pokuah (35), and Musah Haruna (32).

The recovered exhibits included an unregistered Toyota Highlander, an unregistered Toyota Camry saloon car, a Mercedes-Benz saloon vehicle with registration number AS 8724-Z, an unregistered motorcycle, a pump-action gun, seven rounds of RED-STAR AAA cartridges, and a fireproof high-security safe. Investigators also retrieved 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, parcels and sealed packages containing suspected narcotic substances, 90 tablets of 225mg Tramadol, 140 tablets of 250mg Tramadol, 11 tablets of Royal 225mg, 38 narcotics processing materials, bottles of Femude drink suspected to have been laced with narcotic substances, 40 locally manufactured toffees suspected to contain narcotic substances, a Dell laptop, two LED television sets, three boxes of African Viagra, 52 lighters, 12 crushers, four quantities of ash residue believed to be associated with narcotics use, and various sums of money suspected to be proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) has a long history of carrying out high-profile operations against organised crime, dating back to the 2013 Ashanti Region Crackdown. In recent years, the team has focused on dismantling drug trafficking networks and recovering firearms, resulting in several high-profile arrests.

The Ghana Police Service has appealed to the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by volunteering credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency channels.

Key Facts • 24 suspected criminals arrested in Ashanti Region • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved • 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis retrieved

The police are urging the public to volunteer credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency channels.

The Ghana Police Service is committed to improving public safety and maintaining law and order across the country. The recent operation demonstrates the service's dedication to combating organised crime and drug trafficking.

The Ashanti Region has long struggled with issues of crime and lawlessness, particularly in areas where organised crime syndicates operate. The Ghana Police Service has implemented various measures to tackle these issues, including intelligence-led policing and community engagement.

The Ghana Police Service has a long history of cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to combat transnational crime. In 2020, the service collaborated with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to dismantle a major cocaine trafficking network operating in the region.

The operation was a major blow to organised crime in the Ashanti Region, and the Ghana Police Service is expected to continue its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and improve public safety.

The Ghana Police Service has announced plans to expand its intelligence-led policing efforts across the country, including the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies and the establishment of a national crime database. The service has also increased community engagement efforts, working with local leaders and residents to build trust and support for law enforcement efforts.

The Ghana Police Service is committed to improving public safety and maintaining law and order across the country. The recent operation demonstrates the service's dedication to combating organised crime and drug trafficking.

Additional Information

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) has a long history of carrying out high-profile operations against organised crime, dating back to the 2013 Ashanti Region Crackdown. In recent years, the team has focused on dismantling drug trafficking networks and recovering firearms, resulting in several high-profile arrests.