The Ashanti Regional Police Command has rounded up about 245 suspected criminals and sex workers within criminal dens in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region during a swoop on Thursday, October 12.

Those who were arrested include 48 Nigerians, 9 Ivorians, while the rest are Ghanaians.

The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Ken Yeboah, who briefed the media said: "Five of the suspects who were found with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp have been handed over to the drug law enforcement unit for further investigations, while thirty five (35) female suspects believed to be sex workers have been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking unit for further investigations.

“The exercise was conducted simultaneously at Asokwa and Manhyia. The other areas are Ejisu, Tafo Pankrono and Suame."

He said the Ashanti Central Division arrested 102 suspects at Pampaso, PZ Area, Ahodwo, Adum, Railways, Columbia and Kenyase Abrem.

86 of the suspects were also arrested by the Asokwa division at Asafo BB, Neoplan Station, Sokoban Wood Village.

The Manhyia Division also rounded up 26 suspects at Alabar, Tinker, Affordable Housing and Akwatia-line.

The Ejisu Division also arrested 16 of them at Besease, Ejisu, Zongo Abenase and Onwie.

The Tafo Pankrono Division rounded up 9 of the suspects at Pankrono, Ahwia and Moshie Zongo while the Suame Division also arrested 6 of them at Kotoko.

He said the swoop was part of the proactive ways of policing in order to rid the metropolis off criminal elements to make the region a safer place for law abiding citizens.

Mr Yeboah indicated that the Command has commenced investigations and screening of the suspects and those who would be found culpable will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.