Police Dismantle Alleged Drug Distribution Network Targeting University Students in Kumasi, Arrest 44 Suspects
The Ghana Police Service says it has dismantled an alleged drug distribution network suspected of producing and selling narcotic-infused products to university students in 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, led to the arrest of 44 suspects between July 3 and 5, 2026.
According to the Police, the suspects, comprising 41 males and three females, were arrested during intelligence-led operations in identified criminal hotspots including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding communities.
The Police, in a statement dated Tuesday, July 7, said the operation resulted in the dismantling of a network allegedly involved in the production, distribution and sale of narcotic-infused products targeting university students.
Among the key suspects arrested are Emmanuel Duah, 24, who is alleged to have produced cannabis-infused toffees, advertised them online and sold them mainly to students.
Others include Richard Boateng, 45, who is accused of producing cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages for distribution to students, and Frederick Agyei, who is alleged to have been a major supplier of cannabis to university students.
“The operations, which targeted identified criminal hotspots including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding communities, resulted in the arrest of forty-four (44) suspects, comprising forty-one (41) males and three (3) females, for various narcotics-related offences.
The Police also recovered 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 suspected to contain narcotic substances.
Other items retrieved include a medium-sized double-door refrigerator containing locally prepared concoctions suspected to be narcotic substances, Rizla rolling papers, a sealed black polythene bag containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, and nine casino jackpot machines believed to have been used in illegal activities.
The exhibits have been secured for forensic examination, while the suspects remain in Police custody assisting with investigations.
The Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest additional suspects believed to be linked to the alleged network and dismantle all connections involved in the supply chain.
The Service has assured students, parents and educational institutions of its commitment to protecting communities from illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities, while urging the public to continue providing credible information to support law enforcement operations.
