Manhyia District Police Seize 100 Narcotics Parcels at Asawase Market; Two Suspects Arrested

The Manhyia District Police Command in Kumasi has successfully intercepted 100 parcels of suspected narcotics during a targeted operation at the Asawase Market. In the raid conducted on July 21, 2026, law enforcement officials apprehended two suspects identified as 37-year-old Osman Bassein and 38-year-old Mohammed Abdul-Razak. The operation marks a significant blow to the local distribution network of illicit substances in the Ashanti Region, reflecting the police service's intensified efforts to combat organized crime.

According to official police reports, the seizure was the result of a meticulously planned, intelligence-led operation designed to disrupt criminal activities within the bustling market area. The suspected narcotics, which consisted of large quantities of dried leaves, were found concealed inside fertilizer sacks. This tactic of using agricultural packaging is a common method employed by traffickers to bypass routine security checks and blend in with the high volume of legitimate trade occurring at the market.

Following the arrest, the 100 parcels were secured and have been moved for forensic testing to confirm the exact chemical nature of the substance. Meanwhile, Bassein and Abdul-Razak remain in police custody, where they are assisting investigators in uncovering the broader syndicate involved in the shipment. The Manhyia District Police emphasized that this successful intervention was made possible through proactive policing and the effective use of surveillance and field intelligence.

The police administration has used this development to remind the public of the critical role of community involvement in maintaining national security. Residents and traders at the Asawase Market and across the Kumasi metropolis are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or unusual movements of goods to the nearest police station. Under the leadership of the current administration, the Ghana Police Service continues to prioritize the eradication of the drug trade to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.