The Eastern Regional Police Command, led by ASP Johnson Adusei-Poku of National Operations in Accra, has arrested 39 suspects, including students and women, in a crackdown on drug peddling activities in Osiem, near Akyem Tafo-Akim.
The exercise, which began at approximately 5:00 am, resulted in the arrest of 39 individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related offenses and unlawful assembly.
The police conducted searches at locations notorious for drug peddling, leading to the seizure of several exhibits, including dried plant materials suspected to be narcotic drugs, partly smoked weed, sachets of Timaking 120mg tablets, and other substances believed to be illegal drugs.
Among those arrested were farmers, traders, students, drivers, masons, electricians, and unemployed individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 69.
Notable arrests included Dennis Oware, a 39-year-old farmer, found with 45 wraps of dried plant materials and partly smoked weed.
Prince Adusei, a 20-year-old unemployed individual, was in possession of three sachets and one tablet of Timaking 120mg, along with dried plant materials.
Seth Kwame Bath, a 44-year-old drummer, was arrested with partly smoked weed.
Other suspects, including Caleb Marfo, Adjei Lavrencia, Awuku Frank, Yaw Book, Kapal Marriet, and Kingsley Oware, were apprehended at various “ghettos” where they had allegedly gathered to engage in activities likely to breach the peace.
All seized exhibits were photographed for evidential purposes, sealed in the presence of the suspects and an independent witness, and sent to the Forensic Laboratory in Accra for examination and analysis.
The suspects were reportedly abused, manhandled and kept in police custody beyond 48 hours.
They were kept in police custody since their arrest on February 26, 2023.
The first attempt to arraign them in court on March 4 failed as the judge did not sit.
They were re-arraigned on March 5 and the Court granted them bail.
Concerns have been raised over the manner in which the exercise was carried out.
Residents are accusing Police of arresting innocent persons who were in their homes and outside observing what was happening.
“A student was arrested for filming the police abusing some of the people. They asked them to delete the videos and when they refused they added them to the suspects. There were students who were arrested for no apparent reason” An eyewitness said.
Dr. Oppong-Kusi, a lecturer with the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies in Bunso, told Starr News that the government must show interest in checking the abuse of citizens by police especially among vulnerable populations under the guise of swoop and intelligent-led operations.
