Ghana Police have arrested five suspects in Tamale and recovered firearms, suspected narcotics and more than GH¢20,000 in cash during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation was conducted by the Northern Regional Command’s Special Operations team, known as RED MARIA, at the Aboabo scraps area on September 21, 2026, at about 11:30 am. Police said the operation targeted suspected drug peddling and related criminal activities in the area and followed what the Command described as credible intelligence.

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

A search of Issahaku’s residence allegedly 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 recovered GH¢18,825 concealed inside Boateng’s motorcycle, which they suspect was proceeds from narcotics sales.

Other exhibits 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.

Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, said the operation demonstrated the Command’s continued efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and use in the region.

He added that intelligence-led operations would continue to disrupt drug-related and associated criminal activities across the Northern Region.

The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit (RDLEU) for further investigation and necessary action, according to a September 22 statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Northern Regional Police Headquarters in Tamale.