Five suspects arrested as police seize firearms, narcotics in Tamale

The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, suspected narcotics, cash and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation at the Aboabo Scrap Area in Tamale.

The operation, conducted on Monday, September 21, 2026, was carried out by the Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as RED MARIA, following what the police described as credible intelligence concerning suspected drug-related and other criminal activities in the area.

The suspects have been identified as Ibrahim Issahaku, 39; Mohamed John, 28; Mohamed Nawas, 25; Mohamed Osman Awal, 41; and Kwame Boateng, 28.

According to the police, Mohamed John and Mohamed Nawas are suspected drug users, while Kwame Boateng is suspected of dealing in narcotics.

Police also identified Mohamed Osman Awal as the owner of the scrap business at the location and alleged that he had been harbouring suspected drug peddlers on the premises.

Pistols, ammunition and suspected drugs uncovered

A search of Ibrahim Issahaku’s residence reportedly led to the recovery of two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, a parcel of suspected Indian hemp and GH¢1,880 in cash.

Police also found GH¢18,825 concealed inside Kwame Boateng’s motorcycle, which they suspect could be proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs.

The operation further yielded 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of 1mg Rohypnol, seven sachets of 250mg Tramadol and 111 wraps of suspected “ashes”.

Three motorbikes were also seized during the operation.

The arrests and recoveries have heightened attention on criminal activities around the Aboabo area, where police have previously conducted operations targeting suspected drug activities and other offences.

The five suspects, together with the recovered exhibits, have since been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit (RDLEU) for further investigation and necessary action.

The Northern Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking, drug use and related criminal activities in the region.

The suspects remain under investigation, and the allegations against them have not yet been tested in court.