The Northern Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested five persons and recovered two pistols, ammunition, suspected narcotic substances, and a large sum of cash during an intelligence-led operation in Tamale. The operation, conducted by the Regional Special Operations Team, took place at the Tamale Aboabo Scraps Area on Monday, September 21, 2026. The police acted on credible information about suspected illicit activities at the location.
The five suspects arrested were identified as Ibrahim Issahaku, 39; Mohamed John, 28; Mohamed Nawas, 25; Mohamed Osman Awal, 41; and Kwame Boateng, 28. According to the police, Mohamed John and Mohamed Nawas are suspected drug users, while Kwame Boateng is suspected of being involved in drug dealing. Mohamed Osman Awal, the owner of the scrap business at the location, is alleged to have been harbouring persons suspected of engaging in drug peddling.
A search of Ibrahim Issahaku’s residence led to the recovery of two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition, one parcel of suspected Indian hemp, and GH¢1,880.00 in cash. The police also found GH¢18,825.00 concealed inside Kwame Boateng’s motorcycle at the location, which they suspect to be proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs.
In addition to the pistols and cash, the police recovered 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of 1mg Rohypnol, seven sachets of 250mg Tramadol, and 111 wraps of suspected ashes. Three motorbikes were also seized during the operation. The suspects and exhibits were taken to the Northern Regional Police Headquarters and handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
The operation was part of the police's efforts to combat illicit activities in the region. The Regional Police Command, in a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. Richard Ackumey, the Deputy Northern Regional Crime Officer, said the police would continue to work to rid the area of criminal activities. The statement was copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tamale.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing. The police have not released any additional information about the suspects' identities or their alleged crimes beyond what was provided in the statement. The Ghana News Agency will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The police operation in Tamale is a significant development in the region's efforts to curb crime and illicit activities. The seizure of pistols, narcotics, and large sums of cash suggests a significant criminal operation was disrupted.
Key points
- Five suspects arrested in Tamale for suspected narcotics and firearms offences
- Two pistols, ammunition, and suspected narcotics seized during the operation
- Police suspect large sums of cash seized were proceeds from narcotics sales
