The Central North Regional Police Commandโs Special Taskforce, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Abraham Acquaye, has arrested 42 suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting drug peddling and prostitution in Ayamfuri, located in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.
The operation, which was carried out on Wednesday, April 16, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., focused on high-risk criminal zones within the area.
The Police Command disclosed the development during a press briefing held shortly after the successful raid.
Among those apprehended were 32 foreign female nationals aged between 22 and 32 years and 10 Ghanaian males aged between 20 and 31. The arrests took place at two separate brothels and ghettos, where the suspects were allegedly involved in illicit activities.
During the operation, police retrieved various items including quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, concoctions believed to be laced with Indian hemp, condoms, and cigarettes.
Preliminary investigations revealed disturbing accounts of human trafficking. Some of the arrested foreign nationals alleged that they were lured to Ghana with promises of legitimate jobs but were coerced into prostitution upon arrival.
Others claimed they had been forced to work under exploitative conditions, with traffickers demanding large sums of money as ransom before granting them freedom.
The 32 foreign female suspects are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigations and appropriate action. The 10 Ghanaian male suspects will be screened, and those found culpable will face prosecution.
DCOP Abraham Acquaye reiterated the Police Commandโs unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety across the Central North Region.
He also encouraged residents to support law enforcement efforts by volunteering information to help root out criminal activities from their communities.
