The Northern Regional Police Command detained five individuals and seized firearms, ammunition, suspected narcotics and other items during an intelligence‑led operation at the Tamale Aboabo Scrap Area on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The Regional Special Operations Team, known as RED MARIA, carried out the raid after credible intelligence pointed to drug‑related and other criminal activities in the area.
The arrested persons are Ibrahim Issahaku, 39; Mohamed John, 28; Mohamed Nawas, 25; Mohamed Osman Awal, 41; and Kwame Boateng, 28. Police say Mohamed John and Mohamed Nawas are suspected drug users, while Kwame Boateng is suspected of dealing narcotics. Mohamed Osman Awal, the scrap‑business owner at the site, is alleged to have harboured drug peddlers on his premises.
A search of Ibrahim Issahaku’s home uncovered 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 hidden inside Kwame Boateng’s motorcycle, which they suspect to be proceeds from narcotic sales.
Other items seized 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.
The suspects and seized items have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation and necessary action. The Northern Regional Police Command pledged to continue intelligence‑led operations to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, use and related criminal activities in the region.
