Man arrested for allegedly peddling narcotic drinks

A 53-year-old man, Adjei Owusu Afriyie, has been arrested by the police at Akyeremade in the Ashanti Region for allegedly peddling alcoholic drinks suspected to be laced with narcotic substances.

The Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ashanti Regional Police Command arrested the suspect at a drinking spot last Thursday during an intelligence-led operation by the command.

According to the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the command, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, the suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting with investigations.

A search conducted by the police at the premises, particularly the suspect’s storeroom, led to the retrieval of the following items: seven barrels containing local dry gin (akpeteshie); 56 branded gin bottles, each containing akpeteshie and one barrel and one gallon containing sobolo.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that the seized substances are suspected to be laced with narcotic drugs,” the statement said.

According to the police, the seized items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the illegal operation and identify accomplices.

The command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating drug-related offences and safeguarding public health and safety.