The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered two foreign-made pistols, ammunition, suspected narcotics and more than GH¢20,000 in a targeted operation at Tamale Aboabo.
The operation was conducted by the Special Operations team, popularly known as RED MARIA, on Monday, September 21, 2026, at about 11:30am.
The team was acting on credible information as part of efforts to clamp down on drug peddling, drug use and other related criminal activities within the Tamale Metropolis.
The suspects were arrested at the Tamale Aboabo scraps area, near the forest. They have been identified as Ibrahim Issahaku, 39; Mohammed John, 28; Mohammed Nawas, 25; Mohammed Osman Awal, 41; and Kwame Boateng, 28.
A search of Ibrahim Issahaku’s residence led to the recovery of two foreign-made pistols and two rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Police also recovered one parcel of suspected Indian hemp and GH¢1,880 in cash from the residence.

Separately, GH¢18,825 was found concealed inside Kwame Boateng’s motorcycle at the ghetto. Police suspect the money could be proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs.
Other items recovered during the operation included 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of 1mg Rohypnol, seven sachets of 250mg Tramadol, 111 wraps of suspected ashes and three motorbikes.
The five suspects and the 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 said the operation forms part of its continued efforts, through the RED MARIA team, to combat illicit drug trafficking, drug use and associated criminal activities in the region.
The Command said it would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to disrupt drug-related activities and other forms of crime.
Read the statement below:



































