Tamale: The Northern Regional Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service has apprehended 24 individuals and confiscated substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol in the Tamale Metropolis. This development is part of a strategic anti-drug operation targeting the proliferation and misuse of illicit substances in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Northern Regional Police Command conducted the operation on May 20, 2026, with the aim of curbing drug peddling and abuse. The operation was spearheaded by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku, who led a team of 44 officers. The police statement, released by the Public Relations Unit of the Northern Regional Command, detailed that the operation commenced around 1515 hours, focusing on well-known drug hotspots throughout the metropolis.
The initial phase of the operation took place in Ward K, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. The suspects, Iddrisu Salawudeen, 19, and Abdul Latif, 21, were apprehended for allegedly possessing nine sachets of 250mg Tramadol and for involvement in narcotic substance use, respectively.
The operation then extended to Sagnarigu, where 22 more suspects were detained for alleged possession, use, and involvement in drug-related activities. Those arrested included Sulemana Mohamed, 17; Alhassan Shamsudeen, 24; Abdul Karim Ishmael, 21; Zakaria Alhassan, 25; Alhassan Abdul Kahad, 25; Mohamed Alhassan Matin; Yusif Abdul Hadi, 20; Alidu Zakaria, 27; Abdul Mumin Abubakar, 38; Patua Kamong, 35; Mohamed Ibrahim, 29; and Mohamed Hadan, 39.
Additional suspects identified were Muntaz Yusif, 22; Shamsudeen Alhassan, 45; Adam Issahaku, 25; Mohamed Abdul Mumin, 29; Alhassan Tawakil, 28; Amed Abdul Rashid, 26; Abubakar Rafqi, 25; Alhaji Adam, 39; Yakubu Memuna, 25; and Aduwa Moses, 26. The police statement emphasized that all those arrested in Sagnarigu were users of narcotic substances.
Further investigation in the area led to the discovery of 25 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and five sachets of 250mg Tramadol. The operation also resulted in the seizure of various exhibits, including five motorbikes, 25 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, and 14 sachets of Tramadol. The police confirmed that all suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.