The arrests were made during an operation carried out within the Tamale Metropolis and the Tolon District as part of sustained efforts to curb illicit drug peddling and abuse, robbery, rape, attacks on mobile money vendors and other criminal activities that threaten public safety and the livelihoods of residents in the affected areas.

Evidence retrieved during the operation included quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, eight bottles of Koffex cough syrup, two sachets of suspected opioid tablets and one motorbike.

Detention

The suspects were conveyed to the Sakaksaka Police Station for detention and further investigations, while the evidence was handed over to investigators for screening and forensic analysis.

“The operation was successfully executed without any casualties recorded. This significantly enhanced police visibility and strengthened collaboration with traditional authorities, while dealing a major blow to drug-related activities and associated crimes within the Tamale Metropolis and the Tolon District,” a police report said.

It indicated that the IGP Special Operations Team remains committed to sustaining such operations to ensure peace, security and public confidence in the Northern Region.

A 49-member team was deployed for the operation under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent of Police Bawah Abdul Jalil.

The operation was supported by nine service vehicles, including an armoured vehicle and a Black Maria.

Operations

The team commenced operations with intensified patrols within the Tamale township before proceeding towards Kasalgu along the Nyankpala Road, where searches were conducted on road users and at identified locations to detect illicit drugs and offensive weapons.

“The operation was extended to the Tolon District, where the team paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Tolon, Major Sulemana Abubakari (Rtd), in line with the operational strategy of engaging traditional authorities to support the fight against serious crimes of national security concern,” the report said.

“The team was warmly received at the palace, and the chief fully endorsed the inclusion of Tolon within the team’s operational jurisdiction. He expressed serious concern over the increasing abuse of drugs among the youth and emphasised that such operations were necessary to restore sanity within the community,” it added.

Call

The report further indicated that the team paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Nyankpala, Naa Mahama, who welcomed the team and gave full endorsement to operations within his community.

The chief, it said, commended the team for its efforts in combating the drug menace and pledged to support the operation with relevant information to facilitate the arrest of individuals involved in drug peddling and other criminal activities.

“He further lamented the rising rate of criminality and the adverse effects of drug abuse on the youth in his community, indicating that he had personally been affected by the situation,” the report said.

The command assured both chiefs of its readiness and commitment to address the various criminal activities and the drug canker in the Northern Region, stressing the importance of collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to achieve sustainable results.