Kumasi, July 18, GNA- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Ayesu

Opare-Addo, the new Ashanti Regional Police Commander has warned criminals,

especially drug peddlers in the Region to put a stop top their activities before the

law catches up with them. He explained that, the use of hard drugs has a direct bearing on the

individual's propensity to commit crime. The Commander gave the warning at his first meet-the-press since he

reported to his post as the new Commander of Police in the Region in Kumasi on Friday. His concerns were brought to light when the Command arrested 27 suspected criminals during a swoop at drug and crime prone areas in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Among the areas where the exercise took place were Asawase, Ash

Town and Bolgatanga Station, all suburbs of Kumasi and items seized from them were some whitish substance as well as dried leaves believed to be Cocaine and Indian Hemp respectively as well as knives and matches. DCOP Opare-Addo stated that, the Police would continue to pursue the

perpetrators to deal with crime in discharging its duties towards the citizenry. He said an identification parade would be conducted to ascertain as to

whether any of them were linked to the already reported criminal cases or not and

anyone found culpable would be prosecuted. The Regional Commander therefore appealed to the media and the

general public to assist the Police in curbing the menace. 19 July 08