Eight suspects have been arrested in a coordinated anti-drug operation by the Northern Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Red Maria,” across parts of the Tamale Metropolis and surrounding communities.
The exercise, led by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku and involving 44 personnel, forms part of intensified efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on drug-related activities in the Northern Region.
Police sources say the operation began at Zogbeli, where four suspects were arrested. The team later moved to Kukuo, where two more individuals were picked up, before extending the intelligence-led operation to Savelugu, where another suspect was arrested.
In total, eight suspects are now in custody, with ages ranging between 16 and 25.
During the operation, officers retrieved 40 wraps of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp. However, police noted that a search conducted in the room of one suspect arrested in Savelugu did not yield any substances, though he remains under investigation.
All suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, as police intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks in the region.