Anti-Drug Operation Turns Violent As Ghetto Youth Clash With Chiefs Assembly Member’s Car Vandalised.
Three persons have been arrested and handed over to the police following a violent confrontation between some youths and traditional authorities during a four-day anti-drug operation at Assin Asaman in the Assin Central Constituency and Owusukrom in the Adansi South District respectively.
The operation, led by traditional authorities from Assin Asaman and Owusukrom, together with the Assembly Member for the Assin Asaman Electoral Area, Hon. Gregory Ankomah Gyakye, was aimed at clamping down on the sale and use of illicit drugs in the two communities.
According to the Assembly Member, some drug dealers and users in the area engage in robbery, burglary and other acts of public disturbance, particularly after consuming the substances, thereby undermining peace and security in the communities.
He said the situation necessitated a crackdown on identified drug dens, popularly known as ghettos, to rid the communities of the illegal activities.
During the exercise, which lasted four days, the team visited several ghettos and destroyed makeshift structures believed to be used by the suspects.
Three persons found engaging in the illicit drug trade were arrested, while various substances, including suspected cannabis, tramadol and cocaine, as well as an unspecified amount of cash, were seized as exhibits.
However, the operation turned violent when some youths attacked the chiefs, the Assembly Member and other members of the team.
The attackers reportedly vandalised the Assembly Member’s vehicle, smashing its windscreen and side window glasses.
In a separate incident, a man accompanying the traditional leaders sustained cutlass wounds during the confrontation.
The three suspects arrested during the operation have since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
The Assembly Member emphasised that Assin Asaman and Owusukrom are peaceful communities and said the traditional authorities and residents would not allow drug dealers to undermine the peace and tranquillity they enjoy.
Hon Gregory explained how he and his members narrowly escaped lyinching by the angry gheto youth.
Story By: Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, Rich FM Assin Fosu.
