Tamale, January 2, 2026 – As part of measures to sustain peace, law, and order during the New Year period, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has carried out intensive patrols across the Tamale Metropolis, leading to the arrest of three suspected drug offenders.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, January 1, 2026, formed part of a New Year operational strategy aimed at detecting, preventing, and suppressing violent and economic crimes, including robbery, drug peddling and abuse, theft, rape, and attacks on commercial vendors.
The initiative also sought to ensure the uninterrupted flow of commercial and economic activities within the metropolis.
A total of 105 police personnel were deployed for the exercise under the command of DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil. The team operated with ten service vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and a Black Maria designated for the transportation of suspects.
The deployment strategy ensured effective coverage of identified crime-prone areas within both commercial and residential zones of the metropolis.
The operation commenced with high-visibility patrols targeting known crime hotspots and vulnerable locations.
These patrols were intended to enhance police presence, gather actionable intelligence, and deter potential criminal activities.
During the exercise, intelligence provided by the Gulkpe Task Force led to the arrest of Abdul-Halik Hafiz, who was found in possession of nineteen sachets of Tramadol 120mg, as well as four sachets and four tablets of Tapentadol Hydrochloride (Red).
Further intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of Kojo Debrah, who was found with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and Musah Zubelu, who was found in possession of a white substance suspected to be heroin. Both suspects were arrested without incident.
The police team later extended the operation to Kumbungu, an area identified as a hub for drug peddling, drug abuse, and other criminal activities.
The team also moved into a nearby forest reserve believed to be a hideout for criminal elements, but no suspects were found and no arrests were made.
Patrols were further extended to the Tamale Taxi Rank and its surrounding areas, where a thorough search was conducted.
However, no suspicious items or activities of police interest were detected.
All three suspects have been conveyed to the Sakasaka Police Station, where they are currently in lawful custody assisting with investigations.
The exhibits retrieved during the operation have been secured and retained for evidential purposes, pending further investigations and forensic analysis.
Police say the operation has significantly enhanced visibility and contributed to the deterrence of criminal activities within the Tamale Metropolis during the New Year period.
The intelligence-led approach adopted by the IGP Special Operations Team is said to have reinforced public confidence and strengthened the overall security posture of the metropolis.
Authorities have assured the public that similar operations will continue to ensure the safety of lives and property, as well as the protection of economic activities across the Tamale Metropolis.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
