IGP Special Operations Team arrests 17 in Tamale drug raid

Seventeen suspected drug peddlers have been arrested in a major police operation at the Waterworks enclave, a location security officials describe as a long-standing hub for criminal gangs and narcotics activity.

The swoop was carried out by the IGP Special Operations Team as part of intensified crime-fighting efforts in the Tamale Metropolis and Tolon District. Police say the latest move builds on weeks of sustained operations, during which the unit has recorded several arrests and even rescued a kidnapped man.

Acting on intelligence, officers moved into the Waterworks area and recovered:

Quantities of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp

Eight bottles of Koffex cough syrup

Two sachets of suspected opioid tablets

One motorbike

All 17 suspects were transported to the Sakasaka Police Station for detention and further questioning, while the seized items were handed over to investigators for screening and forensic examination.

Police say the operation was executed without any injuries and has boosted visibility in known crime hotspots, while also deepening cooperation with traditional leaders in the area.

In a statement signed by ASP Alhaji Bawah Jalil, the Special Operations Team reiterated its resolve to keep mounting such operations to reinforce peace, security and public confidence in the Northern Region.

ASP Jalil said the December 13, 2025 operation involved a 49-member team from the IGP Special Operations Unit, led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, and covered patrols and targeted searches in Tamale and Kasalgu.

As part of the mission, the team also paid courtesy calls on the Chiefs of Tolon and Nyankpala, engaging them on collaborative strategies to curb drug abuse, robbery and related crimes.

The chiefs, according to police, expressed alarm over rising substance abuse among young people and pledged their full support for continued security operations to restore order in their communities.