Tamale: The Northern Regional Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service, known as 'Red Maria', has arrested seven individuals and seized 40 wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp during a targeted anti-drug operation in the Tamale Metropolis.
According to Ghana News Agency, the operation was conducted on Monday, April 20, at approximately 2030 hours. It was part of routine efforts by the Police to curb drug peddling and related criminal activities in the region. The details were shared in a press statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Northern Regional Police Command, which was copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tamale on Tuesday.
The statement detailed that a team of 44 personnel carried out coordinated swoops at identified hotspots including Zogbeli, Kukuo, and later Savelugu, following intelligence gathered. At Zogbeli, four suspects were apprehended: Sulemana Sualha, 20; Alhassan Ayisha, 25; Abdul Fatawu Damba, 16; and Mohammed Amin, 20, for allegedly possessing and dealing in narcotic substances.
The operation continued in Kukuo, where two additional suspects, Ibrahim Abdulai, 20, and Issah Abass, 17, were arrested for similar offenses. Acting on further intelligence, the team extended their operation to Savelugu, where Ibrahim Osuman, 21, was arrested. Preliminary investigations suggested his involvement in drug dealing activities, though a search of his room yielded no incriminating substances.
In total, 40 wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were retrieved during the operation. The seven suspects are currently in Police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.