Tamale, December 18, 2025 – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has arrested four suspected drug peddlers during a large-scale security operation in the Tamale Metropolis, as part of intensified efforts to curb violent and economic crimes during the festive season.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, targeted robbery, drug peddling and abuse, theft, rape, and attacks on commercial vendors, with the aim of strengthening security networks and ensuring the smooth flow of economic activities in the metropolis.
A total of 100 police personnel were deployed for the exercise under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil.
The team operated with nine service vehicles, including an armoured vehicle and a Black Maria for the conveyance of suspects.
The operation began with intensive patrols in identified crime-prone areas and suspected hotspots across both commercial and residential zones, to enhance police visibility, gather intelligence, and deter criminal activity.
During the patrols, intelligence provided by National Security personnel led to the arrest of one Ibrahim Abudu at Taha.
He was found in possession of quantities of Tramadol capsules and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
A subsequent search at his residence did not yield additional exhibits.
In a related development, another suspect, Abdul Hanan, was arrested at Gumani with a parcel of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Upon interrogation, he identified his supplier as Mohammed Ibrahim and led the police to his residence.
A search conducted in Mohammed Ibrahim’s presence resulted in the retrieval of sacks and parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, leading to his arrest.
The team also extended its operation to the Changli area, popularly known as “Aluta Boys,” a location associated with drug peddling and usage. Although no arrests were made after suspects fled upon seeing the police, a search of the area led to the recovery of seven bottles of Benylin Codeine, Rohypnol tablets, Red tablets, Bupropion tablets, and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police say efforts are underway to identify and arrest the owners of the recovered exhibits.
Further operations were carried out at Bilpeila, where a stop-and-search exercise at Mapuka Junction led to the arrest of a young male found with three Red opioid tablets.
This arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of Seidu Abdul Razak, alleged to be the distributor, from whom two additional Red opioid tablets and other pills were retrieved.
Seidu Abdul Razak later led the police to another suspect, Arafat Yasir, at Taha, believed to be his supplier. However, a search at his residence did not uncover any incriminating items.
Police also conducted patrols and checks at the Tamale Taxi Rank and surrounding areas, but no suspicious activities or items of police interest were detected.
All four suspects have been detained at the Sakasaka Police Station to assist with investigations, while all recovered exhibits have been secured for evidential and forensic purposes.
ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil noted that the operation significantly enhanced police visibility in the Tamale Metropolis and contributed to crime deterrence during the festive season.
He assured the public that intelligence-led operations will continue to ensure the safety of lives, property, and economic activities in the metropolis.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
