Tamale: 5 arrested over suspected drug activities; police seize pistols, narcotics

On Monday, September 21, 2026, five individuals were arrested and a significant haul of weapons, narcotics, and cash were seized during an intelligence-led operation in the Tamale Aboabo Scrap Area by the Northern Regional Police Command's Special Operations Team, known as RED MARIA. The suspects, whose ages ranged from 25 to 41, included Ibrahim Issahaku, Mohamed John, Mohamed Nawas, Mohamed Osman Awal, and Kwame Boateng, each accused of involvement in drug-related or other criminal activities.

Mohamed John and Mohamed Nawas were suspected drug users, while Kwame Boateng was accused of dealing narcotics. Mohamed Osman Awal, the owner of the scrap business at the location, was alleged to have harbored drug peddlers on his premises.

During the search of Ibrahim Issahaku's residence, police recovered two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, suspected Indian hemp, and GH¢1,880 in cash. From Kwame Boateng's motorcycle, they seized GH¢18,825, suspected to be earnings from drug sales. Additional contraband seized included 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of Rohypnol, seven sachets of Tramadol, 111 wraps of "ashes", and three motorbikes.

All suspects and the seized items have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation and appropriate action. The Northern Regional Police Command pledged continued vigilance against illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the region.