Police have arrested 93 people, including suspected key figures in the illicit drug trade, during a series of intelligence-led operations across the Ashanti Region, authorities said on Monday.

The operations, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) between 15 and 24 July, targeted suspected drug trafficking and criminal hideouts in Kumasi, surrounding communities and the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality.

In a statement, the Ghana Police Service said raids were carried out in Afari, Nkawie, Ntobroso, Ahodwo, Ampabame, Atonsu Ahensan, Atonsu Gyinyase, Alabar, Asokore Mampong, Sawaba Adinyase, Buobai, Atimatim, Kronum and Sawaba.

Those arrested include 58 men and 35 women. Preliminary investigations indicate that 65 are Ghanaians while 28 are Nigerian nationals.

Police identified some of the suspects as Nurudeen Gafaru, Abdul Gafaru, Iddrisu Alhassan, popularly known as “Tagor”, Akwasi Afriyie and Prince Chidera Okekelawe, a Nigerian national.

Investigators believe the suspects played significant roles in the illicit narcotics trade in the region and are assisting with investigations into drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities.

The operation also uncovered suspected commercial sexual exploitation at one of the locations. Police said investigations are underway to establish possible links to human trafficking, exploitation networks and immigration-related offences.

Officers recovered 40 compressed parcels, each weighing about one kilogram, containing substances suspected to be narcotic drugs.

They also seized quantities of suspected Tramadol and Ecstasy tablets, wraps of substances believed to be cocaine, dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, locally manufactured toffees believed to contain narcotic substances, suspected narcotic-infused beverages and drug-processing materials.

An unregistered motorcycle allegedly used for drug distribution, together with quantities of expired and unregistered pharmaceutical products, was also confiscated.

Police said all 93 suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.

The Ghana Police Service said similar intelligence-led operations would continue across the country as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks, combat illicit drug trafficking and improve public safety.