Police in Kumasi have seized 100 compressed parcels of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs and arrested two men after an intelligence-led operation at Asawase Market.
The Manhyia District Police Command intercepted the suspected narcotics, which had been hidden in fertiliser sacks, during the operation and detained two suspects now assisting with investigations.
The men have been named by police as 37-year-old Osman Bassein and 38-year-old Mohammed Abdul-Razak. Both are in custody and are expected to be processed in line with legal procedures once enquiries are complete.
According to a statement from the Ashanti Regional Police Command, signed by the Head of its Public Affairs Unit, Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, the operation was carried out on 21 July 2026 after officers received intelligence that suspected narcotic drugs were being transported in fertiliser sacks.
A team led by the Manhyia District Commander, and supported by personnel from the Manhyia Divisional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Zongo Police Station, was deployed to Asawase Market, where the two suspects were arrested.
Search uncovers 13 sacks
Police said a search was conducted at the scene in the presence of independent witnesses, during which officers retrieved 13 fertiliser sacks.
An inspection of the sacks revealed second-hand clothing that had been used to cover 100 compressed parcels of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs.
The statement explained that the exhibits were photographed on site in accordance with evidential procedures, before being secured for forensic examination to determine the exact nature of the substances.
Ongoing investigation
The Ashanti Regional Police Command confirmed that the suspected narcotics are now in safe custody pending forensic analysis.
It added that Bassein and Abdul-Razak remain in police custody and are continuing to assist investigators.
Once the investigation is concluded, the two men will be processed in accordance with the law, the statement said.
Public urged to share information
Supt Ahianyo used the statement to commend members of the public whose information helped to facilitate the operation.
He appealed to residents to continue to report suspicious activities to the police, and highlighted the emergency contact numbers 18555, 191 and 112 as channels through which the public can reach law enforcement.
