A special police operation in Tamale's Fuo and Kukuo areas resulted in the seizure of two locally made pistols, a pump-action gun, Tramadol, and suspected Indian hemp, with 12 suspects taken into custody. The Northern Regional Special Operations Team, known as RED MARIA, carried out the raids on Thursday, 8 October, at around 09:30 GMT. The operation targeted the Fuo and Kukuo areas of the city, according to reports from MyJoyOnline.
In the Fuo area, officers detained seven suspects on suspicion of drug use. The operation then moved to Kukuo, where five more people were arrested, three of whom were found with weapons after their rooms were searched. The police found the suspects in possession of illicit substances and firearms, highlighting concerns about the circulation of unlicensed, locally made firearms and the abuse of prescription drugs.
Items recovered from the two locations included two locally manufactured pistols, one pump-action gun, six sachets of Tramadol 250mg, and 25 wraps of suspected Indian hemp. The police said in a statement that all 12 suspects, along with the seized weapons and drugs, have been handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department and the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
The raid highlights ongoing concerns about the circulation of unlicensed, locally made firearms and the abuse of prescription drugs such as Tramadol in parts of the Northern Region. For residents of Tamale, the operation signals a continued police presence targeting illicit weapons and narcotics that can fuel violence and crime in urban neighbourhoods.
Tramadol, a painkiller sometimes misused recreationally, and Indian hemp, a cannabis product banned under Ghanaian law, remain two of the most commonly seized substances in such operations. The police described the Tamale raid as "intelligence-led," indicating a targeted effort to curb the proliferation of illicit substances and firearms.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and further investigations are underway. The police operation demonstrates the authorities' efforts to address concerns about public safety and security in the region. The seized items and arrested suspects will be investigated further by the relevant authorities.
The successful operation by the Northern Regional Special Operations Team showcases the police's commitment to tackling crime and maintaining security in the region. Residents can expect continued police presence and efforts to curb the circulation of illicit substances and firearms.
Key points
- 12 suspects arrested in Tamale raid
- Police seize homemade pistols, Tramadol, and suspected Indian hemp
- Operation highlights concerns about circulation of unlicensed firearms and prescription drug abuse
