The IGP Special Operations Team has arrested nineteen persons in the Ashanti region for their alleged involvement in the sale of hard drugs.

The team made the arrests in the Alaba and Thinker areas in Manhyia South, which are known hubs for illicit drug peddling and substance abuse.

In an intelligence-led operation, led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil and ASP Samuel Mustapha Abenzuo, the team apprehended a female shop operator within the area.

A search conducted on her premises led to the retrieval of quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

Eighteen (18) additional suspects were also arrested, bringing the total number of suspects to nineteen(19).

Quantities of white substances suspected to be heroin or cocaine, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, opioids, and other items commonly used to facilitate drug consumption were retrieved from these individuals.

The arrests follows a routine patrol by the special team aimed at clamping down on criminal networks and activities within the Kumasi metropolis.

The operation focused on militating against robbery, stealing, rape, violent attacks on commuters and other road users, drug peddling and abuse, as well as the sale and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

The team totaling one hundred and eleven (111) personnel were deployed for the exercise, supported by ten service vehicles, including a Black Maria.

The suspects are currently in detention at the Suntreso Police District Headquarters,for further investigation.

The seized exhibits have also been handed over to authorized investigative units for forensic analysis.