A Kumasi drug ring accused of producing and selling cannabis-infused products to university students has been dismantled after a major police operation led to the arrest of 44 suspects across several communities in the Ashanti Region. The intelligence-led exercise, conducted between 3 and 5 July 2026, also resulted in the seizure of suspected narcotics, tramadol, cannabis-infused products and other exhibits.
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Police say the network had allegedly been targeting university students with cannabis-laced sweets and alcoholic drinks, raising fresh concerns about illicit drug distribution around educational institutions.
Police dismantle alleged student drug network
According to the Ghana Police Service, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, carried out coordinated operations in Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase and surrounding communities.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 44 suspects, made up of 41 men and three women, for various alleged narcotics-related offences.
Police described one of the operation’s biggest successes as the dismantling of “an alleged drug distribution network suspected of producing, distributing and selling narcotic-infused products targeted at university students.”
Investigators say intelligence gathered before the operation indicated the network had been operating around university communities. Read also: Arrested ringleader in Australia-bound 320kg ‘charcoal meth’ case is a woman, NACOC reveals
Among the principal suspects is Emmanuel Duah, 24, who police allege produced cannabis-laced toffees, advertised them on online platforms and sold them primarily to students.
Richard Boateng, 45, is also accused of producing cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages allegedly distributed to students, while Frederick Agyei is alleged to have been a principal supplier of cannabis to university students.
Police seize suspected narcotics, tramadol and casino machines
During the operation, officers recovered 200 sachets of 225 mg Tramadol (Trama King), quantities of 250 mg tramadol tablets, 400 sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances and locally prepared fruit juice known as “Femude”, which investigators suspect contains narcotic substances.
Police also seized a medium-sized double-door refrigerator containing locally prepared concoctions suspected to contain narcotics, Rizla rolling papers, a sealed black polythene bag containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances and nine casino jackpot machines believed to have been used in illegal activities.
The Ghana Police Service said all the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
More arrests expected as investigations continue
The suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations.
Police say they are pursuing additional suspects believed to be connected to the alleged drug distribution network with the aim of “dismantling every link in the supply chain and bringing all those involved to justice.”
Reassuring the public, particularly students, parents and educational institutions, the Ghana Police Service said it remains committed to tackling illicit drug trafficking and protecting communities.
“The Ghana Police Service assures the public, particularly students, parents and educational institutions, of its unwavering commitment to protecting schools and communities from illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities.”
The Service also commended members of the public whose intelligence contributed to the successful operation and encouraged citizens to continue providing credible information to support the fight against crime.
The latest crackdown underscores growing concerns about drug-infused products finding their way into communities around educational institutions and signals the police’s determination to dismantle organised narcotics networks.
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