Credit: Solomon Gumah, GNA.
Tamale, March 24, GNA – The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested seventy-seven suspects in a special anti-drug operation carried out in the Tamale Metropolis and the Savelugu Municipality.
The operation, undertaken by the Command’s Special Operations Team, also known as “Red Maria,” forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on drug peddling and related criminal activities in the region.
A statement signed by Chief Inspector Mr. Luckman Niendow Alhassan, Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the exercise took place on Monday, March 23, at about 2130 hours.
It said a total of 33 personnel participated in the operation, which targeted known hotspots for drug-related activities.
According to the statement, the team first conducted a raid at Lamashegu in Tamale, where one suspect was arrested.
It said the team subsequently moved to the Aboabo market area, where another suspect was apprehended with a powdered substance suspected to be cocaine.
The statement said further intelligence led to the arrest of an alleged supplier at NOBISCO in Tamale, although no incriminating items were found during a search of his residence.
It noted that acting on additional intelligence, the team extended the operation to Savelugu, where a major raid was carried out at a known drug peddling enclave, leading to the arrest of 74 more suspects.
The statement said exhibits retrieved during the operation included seven motorbikes, one Toyota Camry saloon car, quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and 10 sachets of Tramadol.
It said all the suspects were currently in police custody assisting with investigations, adding that they were being screened, and those found culpable would be arraigned before court.
The Northern Regional Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating drug-related offences and ensuring public safety.
It also called on members of the public to support the police with timely and credible information to help fight crime in the region.
GNA.
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/George-Ramsey Benamba