Ashanti Regional Police arrest 54 suspected criminals, include Malian nationals 

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 54 suspected criminals, including 11 Malian nationals, and seized substantial quantities of substances suspected to be narcotics. 

The special co-ordinated operation exercise conducted in some parts of the region resulted in the arrest of the suspects: 49 men and five women.

The operation was carried out under the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and curb criminal activities in identified drug-prone areas. 

A statement issued by the police on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, said the exercise targeted communities such as Atwima-Koforidua, Abuakwa, Sofo Line Lorry Station, Ash Town, Ahwia, Bantama, Aputuogya, Krofrom, Pankrono, Tafo, Twumduase, Krofrom-Colombia and Alarba. 

Among the suspects were 11 Malian nationals and 38 Ghanaians, who are currently assisting with investigations into various alleged drug-related offences. 

According to the statement, officers recovered significant quantities of tramadol during the operations. 

They were made up of 70 tablets of 125mg Tramadol, 353 tablets of 225mg Tramadol, 85 tablets of 250mg Tramadol, and 100 tablets of 250mg Royal Tramadol. 

The police also confiscated 58 boxes of 225mg Tramadol, popularly referred to as Tramaking 100. 

The Police further reported the seizure of several packages containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances. 

The operations also recovered 268 transparent sealed packages, 84 additional sealed packages, and 15 gold-sealed packages containing the suspected substances. 

Other items retrieved included a black polythene bag containing suspected narcotic seeds, six sealed rubber wraps, and another package of dried leaves. 

Investigations further revealed materials believed to be used in the preparation and packaging of narcotic substances, including 34 narcotics-processing materials, commonly known as Rizzlers; and 13 pairs of scissors. 

In another development, the Police seized 13 bottles of a fruit juice product branded FEMUDE, which the Police suspected may contain narcotic substances. 

The contents, the statement said, are expected to undergo forensic examination as investigations continue. 

Additional items recovered during the exercise included 11 boxes of assorted foreign cigarettes, 23 mobile phones, two casino jackpot machines, and four unregistered motorcycles. 

The Police said all 54 suspects remain in custody together with the recovered exhibits and will be arraigned before the court after investigations are concluded. 

The Police reiterated its resolve to combat organised crime and drug trafficking, assuring the public that similar operations will be conducted across the country. 

“The police remains resolute in its commitment to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting persons engaged in criminal activities,” the statement said. 

The Police also urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information, noting that community cooperation remained crucial in the fight against crime and the maintenance of public safety. 

Source: GNA