Tamale, January 5, 2026 – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has arrested thirteen (13) suspects and retrieved large quantities of suspected narcotic drugs and illicit pharmaceuticals during routine patrols and targeted intelligence-led operations in the Tamale Metropolis.
The operations, conducted between January 4 and 5, 2026, form part of sustained efforts by the Ghana Police Service to combat drug abuse, drug peddling, and other crime-related activities, while maintaining peace, law, and order within the metropolis.
A total of 105 police personnel were deployed for the exercise under the command of DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil. The team operated with ten (10) service vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) for tactical support and a Black Maria vehicle for the conveyance of suspects.
According to a situation report, the operation commenced with intensive visibility patrols across identified crime-prone areas and suspected hotspots in both commercial and residential zones. The patrols were aimed at enhancing police presence, gathering actionable intelligence, reassuring residents, and deterring criminal activities.
This was complemented by intelligence-led responses, including rapid deployments following distress calls and credible information received during the period under review.
During the operations, police arrested Mohammed Tawfiq, Osman Kamaldeen, and Abdulai Tawfiq with various quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as quantities of opioids.
Another suspect, Mohammed Osman, was found in possession of seventeen (17) boxes and fourteen (14) sachets of Tramadol 120mg, alongside three (3) boxes, two (2) sachets, and eight (8) tablets of Royal 225mg (Red).
Six other suspects, Amadu Abdulai, Dokurugu Alhassan, Mohammed Usman, Abdul Rahman Yussif, Mahama Abdullah, and Abubakari Mohammed Awal, were also arrested with various quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
In a separate operation at Damali, police arrested Abdul Wahab at his residence. A search conducted in his room led to the retrieval of two (2) parcels of compressed dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, additional quantities of similar dried leaves, toffees made from suspected Indian hemp, forty-five (45) bottles of Benylin cough syrup, and quantities of opioids.
All suspects are currently in police custody at the Sakakasaka Police Station, while the retrieved exhibits have been handed over to investigators for further screening and forensic analysis.
Police noted that some of the arrests were effected following distress calls and actionable intelligence provided by the Gulkpegu Taskforce.
The collaboration between the taskforce and the IGP Special Operations Team was described as prompt and instrumental in the successful interception of suspects.
The Ghana Police Service has commended the Gulkpegu Taskforce for its vigilance and cooperation, noting that the partnership significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the operations.
The police say the operation substantially increased police visibility in the Tamale Metropolis during the New Year period, disrupted known criminal enclaves, reduced the operational space for drug peddlers, and reinforced public confidence in the Service’s ability to maintain law and order.
Intelligence-led patrols and follow-up operations, police say, remain ongoing to identify, monitor, and dismantle other criminal networks operating within the metropolis.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Authorities have further appealed to the public, traditional leaders, and community taskforces to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to effective policing.
