Kumasi, Jan.17, GNA - The Kumasi police have rounded up 17 suspected drug peddlers and smokers in a dawn swoop conducted round the Old Tafo cemetery and New Tafo (Krofofrom) Columbia on Tuesday. Ten of the suspects were arrested at the Old Tafo cemetery and they include Frank Joe, 21, shoe maker, Emmanuel Osei 21, auto straighter, Kwaku Dwomo 26, welder, Nat Fokuo 55, electrician, Bernard Bobie 27, straighter and Akua Afriyie alias Yaa Agyeiwaa 20, unemployed. The others are Augustine Kobi 27, unemployed, Kwadwo Amponsa 27, driver, Kwadwo Amankwa, 36, trader and Asuma Braimah 22, trader. Those who were arrested at New Tafo Columbia include Kwabena Kuma 32, porter, Kwadwo Amigo alias Amoah, Nana Kwame 22, blacksmith, Richard Owusu 22, barber, Charles Oppong 43, trader, Michael Mensah 23, auto mechanic and Kwasi Poku 28, welder.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Saturday, Mr Ofosu Mensah Gyeabuor, Ashanti Regional Police Commander said, police had a tip-off that some suspected criminals, who indulged in snatching people's mobile phones, stealing, inflicting injuries on innocent citizens with offensive weapons and other lawless acts operated from the Old Tafo cemetery and New Tafo Columbia. He said, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) E.O. Brakatu who is in charge of Special Operations for the Northern sector, the police therefore swooped on the Old Tafo cemetery and met a group of people smoking narcotic drugs.

Mr Gyeabour said, on seeing the police, the criminals took to their heels but the police succeeded in arresting 10 of them and also seized two plastic containers full of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and three pipes suspected to be used in smoking cocaine. At New Tafo Columbia, the Regional Police Commander said, the police arrested seven people who were using narcotic drugs. He said the suspects, who are in police custody would soon be put before court.