According to him, drugs such as Cannibis(wee), Tramadol, heroin, cocaine, etc. have adverse effects on the body and mind  and could destroy those who use and abuse them, adding that their acquisition and use are strictly controlled by law.

He made this known in a press release to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in which he informed of the arrest of 29 persons suspected to be dealing in illicit drugs and prostitution.  DCOP Hinneh said that the 29 persons, who included two females, were arrested at a drinking spot behind the Ashaiman District Police Command headquarters “a spot which is noted for activities such as sale and use of narcotics and prostitution.”

Some of the items retrieved from the suspects included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, Tramadol tablets, packets of cigarettes illegally imported from Nigeria, assorted mobile phones, and a laptop.

In an interview with the GNA, DCOP Hinneh said the Command “will continue with such operations to clamp down on suspected criminals and their sanctuaries within the Tema and Ashaiman areas.”  He added that, “Suspects were currently in police custody and undergoing screening and investigations, after which those found culpable, will be charged with the various offences committed, and then arraigned before court.”

The operation, which started at 11am on Friday, was led by the Deputy Tema Regional PoliceCommander, DCOP Kwaku Boadu Pepra and involved men drawn from the various headquarters formations.

The suspected dried leaves had been sent to the crime forensic laboratory for examination.

By Alexander Nyarko Yeboah, GNA