Tamale, December 16, 2025 – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a routine security operation in the Tamale Metropolis, as part of sustained efforts to curb crime and enhance public safety in the Northern Region.
The operation, carried out on Monday, December 15, focused on preventing and addressing criminal activities including robbery, attacks on businesses, theft, drug peddling and abuse, rape, and other related offences within the metropolis.
A total of 51 police personnel were deployed for the exercise under the command of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil.
The team operated with nine service vehicles, comprising an armoured vehicle and a Black Maria, to support patrols and the conveyance of suspects.
The operation began with routine patrols at Kalpohini, a suburb of Tamale, where officers encountered a woman later identified as Aisha, standing beside a young man seated on a motorbike.
Upon sighting the police team, the young man reportedly fled the scene with the motorbike.
A search conducted on Aisha led to the retrieval of six sachets of opioid drugs, popularly known as tramadol tablets. An unregistered motorbike was also found in her possession.
Further investigations revealed that Aisha operated a provision shop in the area. A search of the shop led to the arrest of another young woman, Asia, who indicated that she was assisting Aisha in running the business.
Although no incriminating items were found in the shop, Asia was arrested as an accomplice.
The police team later extended the search to Aisha’s place of residence, where quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were retrieved.
During interrogation, Aisha disclosed that the drugs were supplied through an intermediary identified as Hawabu, alleged to be acting as a link between the main supplier and retailers.
The suspect led officers to Hawabu, who was subsequently arrested after failing to produce the alleged principal distributor. A search at Hawabu’s residence, however, did not yield any illegal items.
All three suspects Aisha, Asia, and Hawabu, were conveyed to the Sakasaka Police Station, where they were placed in custody to assist with ongoing investigations.
The seized opioid drugs and suspected Indian hemp have been handed over to investigators for screening and forensic examination, while the unregistered motorbike has been impounded for safekeeping.
Following the arrests, the Special Operations Team continued patrols across the Tamale township and major markets, including taxi ranks. No further criminal activities were detected during the exercise.
The operation ended without any casualties.
Police authorities say the successful outcome of the exercise underscores the commitment, vigilance, and professionalism of the IGP Special Operations Team in safeguarding lives and property.
The operation, they noted, has also reinforced public confidence in the Police Service’s resolve to combat drug-related crimes and maintain law and order in the Tamale Metropolis and beyond.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
