Five arrested as police seize pistols, narcotics in Tamale

Five individuals were apprehended in a police operation targeting suspected drug-related and criminal activities at the Tamale Aboabo Scrap Area. The intelligence-driven raid by the Northern Regional Police Command's Special Operations Team, known as RED MARIA, took place on Monday, September 21, 2026. The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Issahaku, Mohamed John, Mohamed Nawas, Mohamed Osman Awal, and Kwame Boateng, were each accused of different roles in the alleged criminal activities.

Mohamed John and Mohamed Nawas were suspected of drug use, while Kwame Boateng was suspected of narcotics dealing. Mohamed Osman Awal, the owner of the scrap business, was alleged to have provided shelter for suspected drug peddlers at the location. The search of Ibrahim Issahaku's residence uncovered firearms, ammunition, suspected narcotics, and cash.

Kwame Boateng's motorcycle contained a significant amount of cash suspected to be proceeds from narcotics sales. The operation also resulted in the seizure of various narcotics and illegal items, which have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation. The police command pledged to intensify intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the region.