The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested five individuals and recovered a significant cache of firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs during a targeted operation in the Aboabo scrapyard area of Tamale.
According to a press release issued by the Public Affairs Unit on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the operation was conducted by the Special Operations team, known as “RED MARIA,” on Monday, September 21, 2026, at approximately 11:30 AM.
The arrests are part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on drug peddling and related criminal activities within the Tamale Metropolis.
The suspects have been identified as Ibrahim Issahaku (39), Mohammed John (28), Mohammed Nawas (25), Mohammed Osman Awal (41), and Kwame Boateng (28).
Acting on credible intelligence, the police raided the scrap area near the forest. A search conducted at the residence of suspect Ibrahim Issahaku yielded two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, one parcel of suspected Indian hemp, and GHC1,880.00 in cash.
In a related discovery, police found GHC18,825.00 concealed inside a motorcycle belonging to suspect Kwame Boateng. Authorities suspect the money is proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs.
Additional exhibits recovered from the scene included 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of 1mg Rohypnol, 7 sachets of 250mg Tramadol, 111 wraps of suspected ashes, and 3 motorbikes.
The Northern Regional Commander, DCOP Mr Wisdom Lavoe, confirmed that the suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit (RDLEU) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
“The operation reflects the continued efforts of the Regional Command… to combat crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking and use within the region,” the statement read.
Police assured the public that intelligence-led operations will continue to disrupt drug-related activities.
