The Obuasi Police Command has arrested 40 suspects following coordinated early-morning operations targeting locations believed to be hideouts for criminals and drug peddlers in Obuasi and nearby communities.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, December 16, took place between 5:00 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. It was led by ASP Adam Muakalu and involved officers from the Divisional Operations Unit, the Obuasi District Police, and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) Obuasi Base.

According to a police situational report, the exercise covered several areas, including Bedieso, Kunka Junction, Abompe, and Akaporiso, all suburbs of Obuasi.

At Bedieso, eight suspects were arrested. Police retrieved dried leaves suspected to be cannabis from a black polythene bag found behind the location where the suspects were apprehended.

The team later moved to Kunka Junction, where one suspect was found in possession of a wrapped package of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. Eleven additional suspects who attempted to flee upon sighting the police were arrested after officers pursued and rounded them up.

At Abompe, several suspects were arrested at a ghetto where they were allegedly smoking. Police retrieved two bottles of alcohol suspected to have been laced with cannabis.

The operation was extended to Akaporiso, near Obuasi, where another quantity of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis was retrieved from a suspect. Further arrests were made behind an uncompleted building, where suspects were allegedly smoking and drinking alcohol.

Officers also seized a pack of tramadol during the operation.

In all, 40 suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations. All seized items have been retained at the station for forensic examination.

Police say suspects found in possession of illegal substances will be arraigned before court as soon as possible.

Detective Chief Inspector Odoom Stephen of the District Criminal Investigations Department (DCID), Obuasi, assured the public that sustained operations will continue to clamp down on criminal activities and improve safety in the municipality.