The Ghana Police Service, through its IGP Special Operations Team, conducted a series of intelligence-led operations across the country, targeting suspected criminal activities. The operations covered several communities in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and other regions. A total of 192 suspects were arrested, and various exhibits were recovered, including suspected narcotic substances, firearms, ammunition, and unregulated pharmaceutical products.
The operations, which took place between October 2 and 29, 2026, focused on communities such as New Town, Dansoman, Weija, Tudu, James Town, Shukura, Okaishie, Lapaz, Chantan, Odawna, Teshie, Avenor, and Fadama. Teshie recorded the highest number of arrests in a single operation, with 102 suspects – 93 males and nine females – picked up on October 22. The police also recovered compressed dried substances suspected to be narcotics, seven bottles of nitrous oxide, and a bottle of Benylin with Codeine.
Eight persons identified as key suspected narcotics peddlers were handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation. The unit is expected to conduct further inquiries and potentially lead to additional arrests. The police also arrested 41 suspects at Lapaz and Chantan on October 15, while eight others were arrested at Okaishie Drug Lane. Suspected narcotics and unregulated pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol, Rohypnol, and codeine-based medicines, were also recovered.
The operations led to the arrest of several individuals, including a 52-year-old businessman, Richard Polo, at Odawna. Police said suspected cocaine and other narcotic substances were recovered from his hideout. Additionally, Douglas Kobby, 47, and Habib Yakubu were arrested at Fadama and Shukura, with exhibits including four parcels of dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, seven cartridges, a pump-action magazine, a dagger, and a machete.
In a separate operation at Alabonu in Asutuare, three suspected members of a vigilante group were arrested and handed over to the Tema Regional Police Command. Further operations in the Eastern Region resulted in four arrests and the recovery of a pump-action shotgun, ammunition, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol. The police said all 192 suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Police Service is working to identify other persons suspected to be connected to the activities under investigation. The nationwide crackdown on crime is part of efforts to clamp down on suspected criminal activities and ensure public safety. The police have assured the public that they will continue to work to prevent and combat crime.
The police operations also reflect the government's commitment to addressing the growing concern of substance abuse and narcotics trafficking in the country. The issue has been a major concern for authorities, with many calling for increased efforts to curb the problem. The police have urged the public to provide information and support in the fight against crime.
Key points
- 192 suspects were arrested in a nationwide crackdown on crime in Ghana between October 2 and 29, 2026.
- The operations resulted in the recovery of suspected narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits.
- The police have handed over eight key suspected narcotics peddlers to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
