Member of Parliament(MP) for Karaga Constituency, Mohammed Amin Adam, has raised alarm over the withdrawal of the IGP Special Operations Team “Black Maria” from Tamale, warning that its absence is emboldening drug peddlers and worsening the drug abuse crisis in the Northern Regional capital.

Speaking to journalists, the MP said the vehicle was critical for swift arrests and raids, and without it, law enforcement is struggling to respond effectively as substance abuse among youth continues to climb.

He said some people in Tamale lobbied for the unit’s removal even though it was helping to combat illicit drug use.

“The Black Maria were here enforcing the law to fight illicit drug abuse, but people in Tamale lobbied for their withdrawal. We are the ones discouraging law enforcement,” he said.

Dr Adam expressed concern that interference in the team’s operations undermined its effectiveness and warned of the long-term consequences if drug abuse is not tackled.

“If we don’t stop this, in the next ten years we will lose the value of our society and our youth,” he said.

He urged the public to support government efforts to address the drug problem.

“Government cannot do it alone; we need to support government to be able to fight this menace,” he disclosed.