Five arrested as police seize pistols, narcotics in Tamale

Five persons have been arrested following an intelligence-led police operation at the Tamale Aboabo Scrap Area, where firearms, ammunition, suspected narcotics and cash were seized.

The operation was carried out on Monday, September 21, 2026, by the Northern Regional Police Command’s Special Operations Team, known as RED MARIA, after police received intelligence about suspected drug-related and other criminal activities at the area.

Those arrested are Ibrahim Issahaku, 39; Mohamed John, 28; Mohamed Nawas, 25; Mohamed Osman Awal, 41; and Kwame Boateng, 28.

Police suspect Mohamed John and Mohamed Nawas of drug use, while Kwame Boateng is suspected of dealing in narcotics.

Mohamed Osman Awal, who is identified as the owner of the scrap business where the operation took place, is also alleged to have been providing shelter for suspected drug peddlers on the premises.

A search of Ibrahim Issahaku’s residence reportedly uncovered two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, a parcel of suspected Indian hemp and GH¢1,880 in cash.

Police also found GH¢18,825 concealed in Kwame Boateng’s motorcycle, which they suspect could be proceeds from narcotics sales.

The operation also yielded 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, together with the seized items, have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit (RDLEU) for further investigation and necessary action.

The Northern Regional Police Command says it will intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking, drug use and other criminal activities across the region.

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