Ashaiman, Jan 18, GNA -- The Ashaiman Police have arrested about 20 suspected criminals and 15 prostitutes in a swoop on Thursday evening. The operation which took place around Asensu bar, Lebanon, New Town Bridge, Night Market, Heaven's gate and Odaseni bar was carried out between 2000 to 2300 hours.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Frank Awu, Ashaiman District Police Commander told the GNA on Friday that the operation aimed at clamping down on criminals in the town as Ashaiman has been perceived by many to be a criminal zone.

DSP Awu said the ages of the suspected prostitutes ranged from 20 to 60, adding that five of them were caught in the act inside their cubicles at their hideouts. He said wrappers of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were retrieved from the suspects.

DSP Awu said the suspected criminals would be screened and arraigned, while advice would be sought from the Tema Regional Police Command concerning the fate of the prostitutes. The Ashaiman Commander urged all to volunteer information to the police on activities of suspected criminals and their hideouts for action to be taken on them.