77 Grabbed In Anti-Drug Operation

Security Officials in the Northern Region of Ghana have arrested 77 persons in a sweeping anti-drug operation carried out across several suburbs of Tamale and the Savelugu Municipality.

The operation conducted by the Northern Regional Police Command, through its Special Operations Team known as “Red Maria,” are part of efforts by the Security Service to clamp down on drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the region.

The exercise is said to have targeted drug hotspots following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

According to police statement issued yesterday, and signed by Inspector Luckman Niendow Alhassan said, “the operation, which took place on Monday, the 23rd of March 2026 at about 09:30 pm, comprised a team totaling thirty-three (33) personnel. The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on drug peddling and related criminal activities in the region.”

The statement further indicated that, the operation retrieved “several items, including seven motorbikes, a Toyota Camry vehicle, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and 10 sachets of Tramadol. All suspects are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations. They are being screened, and those found culpable will be arraigned before the court.”

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POLICE ARREST SEVENTY-SEVEN SUSPECTS IN AN ANTI-DRUG OPERATION IN TAMALE & SAVELUGU

1. The Northern Regional Police Command, through its Special Operations Team (Red Maria), has arrested seventy-seven (77) suspects during a special anti-drug operation conducted within the Tamale Metropolis and the Savelugu Municipality.
2. The operation, which took place on Monday, the 23rd of March 2026 at about 09:30 pm, comprised a team totalling thirty-three (33) personnel. The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on drug peddling and related criminal activities in the region.
3. During the operation, several locations identified as hotspots for drug-related activities were targeted in Lamashegu. One suspect was arrested.
4. The team subsequently moved to the Aboabo market area, where another suspect was apprehended with a powdered substance suspected to be cocaine.
5. Further intelligence led to the arrest of an alleged supplier at NOBISCO, although no incriminating items were found during a search of his residence.
6. Acting on more intelligence, the team extended the operation to Savelugu, where a major raid was conducted at a known drug peddling spot. A total of seventy-four (74) additional suspects were arrested at the location.
7. Exhibits retrieved during the operation include seven (7) motorbikes, one (1) Toyota Camry vehicle, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and ten (10) sachets of Tramadol.
8. All suspects are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations. They are being screened, and those found culpable will be arraigned before the court.
9. The Northern Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to combating drug-related offences and ensuring public safety. The Command also calls on the general public to support the Police by providing timely and credible information to aid in the fight against crime.

SIGNED

C/INSPR. LUCKMAN NIENDOW ALHASSAN [REGIONAL PRO/NR]