Accra: The Inspector General of Police (IGP)'s Special Operations Team has arrested 74 suspects in two separate intelligence-led operations targeting drug trafficking, violent crime, and other criminal activities in the Upper East Region.
According to Ghana Web, the operations were conducted between May 20 and May 22, 2026, in key locations, including Paga and parts of the Navrongo Municipality. The first operation took place on May 20, 2026, at Paga, near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border buffer zone, resulting in the arrest of 40 suspects. The group consisted of both Ghanaians and foreign nationals, including 28 males and 12 females. The breakdown of those arrested includes 23 Ghanaians, 8 Nigerians, 6 Burkinab©s, 1 Malian, and 1 Togolese.
The police statement highlighted the recovery of several exhibits during the operation, including parcels and sacks of suspected narcotic substances and five motorbikes believed to have been used for distribution.
A second operation was carried out on May 22, 2026, in the Navrongo Municipality, targeting known criminal hotspots such as the Condemned Road Corridor, 'After Six' Spot, and 'Lighter Inn' Spot. This operation led to the arrest of 34 additional suspects, comprising 32 males and 2 females. Police recovered 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotic substances, and assorted foreign cigarettes.
The police indicated that some of the suspects have already been processed through court. On the same date as the arrest, the suspects appeared before High Court Two, presided over by His Lordship Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie. Sixteen suspects were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear before the court on June 4, 2026. The remaining suspects are assisting police investigations, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the criminal networks.