77 suspects picked up in police anti-drug swoop at Tamale and Savelugu

Police in the Northern Region say 77 people have been arrested in a coordinated anti-drug operation carried out in Tamale and Savelugu.

The late-night exercise, led by the Regional Command’s Special Operations Team, known as Red Maria, was part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking and related crime.

In a statement signed by Chief Inspector Luckman Niendow Alhassan, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, the command said the operation took place on Monday, 23 March at about 21:30 GMT. A total of 33 officers were deployed.

Police said the raid began in Lamashegu, an area they described as a known centre for drug-related activity, where one suspect was picked up.

From there, officers moved to the Aboabo market area and arrested another suspect who was allegedly carrying a powdered substance believed to be cocaine.

The statement added that further intelligence led officers to NOBISCO, where an alleged supplier was arrested. However, a search of his home did not uncover any suspicious items.

The operation later shifted to Savelugu after fresh intelligence pointed police to what they described as an established drug peddling base. That raid resulted in the arrest of 74 more suspects.

Items seized during the exercise included seven motorbikes, a Toyota Camry, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and 10 sachets of Tramadol.

Police said all the suspects remain in custody and are helping with investigations. They are currently being screened, with those found to have a case to answer expected to be taken before the courts.

The Northern Regional Police Command says it remains committed to tackling drug-related crime and preserving public safety. It also called on residents to assist officers with credible and timely information that could support future operations.