The Ghana Police Service has dismantled an alleged drug distribution network believed to have been supplying narcotic-infused products to university students, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation across parts of the Kumasi Metropolis.
The operation, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, was carried out between July 3 and July 5, 2026, leading to the arrest of 44 suspects for various narcotics-related offences.
According to a police statement issued on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, officers raided several communities identified as criminal hotspots, including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and adjoining areas.
Police said the exercise disrupted an organised network allegedly involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of narcotic-laced products, with intelligence indicating that the operation had been active around university communities.
Among those arrested is 24-year-old Emmanuel Duah, who investigators allege produced cannabis-laced toffees, promoted them on online platforms and sold them mainly to students. Also in custody are Richard Boateng, 45, who is accused of producing cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages for student consumers, and Frederick Agyei, whom police describe as an alleged principal supplier of cannabis to university students.
In the statement, the Police said the operation “resulted in the arrest of forty-four (44) suspects, comprising forty-one (41) males and three (3) females, for various narcotics-related offences.”
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 200 sachets of 225mg Tramadol (Trama King) tablets, quantities of 250mg Tramadol tablets, 400 sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, and locally prepared fruit juice, popularly known as “Femude,” believed to contain narcotic substances.
Officers also seized a medium-sized double-door refrigerator stocked with locally prepared concoctions suspected to contain narcotics, Rizla rolling papers, a sealed black polythene bag containing dried leaves believed to be illicit drugs, and nine casino jackpot machines suspected to have been used in illegal activities.
The recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination, while all 44 suspects remain in police custody to assist with ongoing investigations.
Police say efforts are underway to track down other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged syndicate as investigators work to dismantle the entire supply chain.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling drug trafficking, the Service assured students, parents and educational institutions that it would continue to intensify operations against illicit drug activities.
It also appealed to the public to support law enforcement by volunteering credible information.
Read the statement below:
