The Northern Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested five individuals during an operation in the Aboabo scraps area of Tamale. The arrests were made on Monday, September 21, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m. by the Special Operations Team, known as RED MARIA. The team acted on credible information to clamp down on drug peddling, drug use, and other criminal activities in the Tamale Metropolis. The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Issahaku, 39; Mohammed John, 28; Mohammed Nawas, 25; Mohammed Osman Awal, 41; and Kwame Boateng, 28.
The police recovered various items during the operation, including two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, and suspected narcotics. A search at Ibrahim Issahaku's residence led to the recovery of the pistols, ammunition, one parcel of suspected Indian hemp, and GH¢1,880 in cash. The police also found a large sum of money concealed inside Kwame Boateng's motorcycle.
The operation resulted in the recovery of additional items, including 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of 1mg Rohypnol, and seven sachets of 250mg Tramadol. The police also found 111 wraps of suspected ashes and three motorbikes. The recovered items are suspected to be linked to drug-related activities.
According to the police, the money recovered from Kwame Boateng's motorcycle, GH¢18,825, is suspected to be proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs. The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation and necessary action.
The Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, issued a statement on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, confirming the arrests and recoveries. He stated that the Regional Command would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to disrupt drug-related activities and other criminal activities in the region.
The operation is part of the police's efforts to tackle drug peddling and use in the Tamale Metropolis. The arrests and recoveries demonstrate the police's commitment to curbing criminal activities in the region. The suspects are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution.
The police have assured the public of their continued efforts to combat crime and maintain peace in the region. The Regional Command's proactive approach aims to prevent the escalation of drug-related activities and other crimes in Tamale and its environs.
Key points
- Five people arrested in Tamale, Ghana, for suspected drug peddling and related activities.
- Police recover guns, suspected narcotics, and cash worth GH¢20,705 during the operation.
- The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
