The Ghana Police Service in the Northern Region has arrested 12 individuals suspected of dealing in and using illicit drugs following a special anti-drug operation carried out across parts of Tamale.

According to the police, the operation took place on March 14, 2026, and was led by the Regional Counter Terrorism Unit Special Operations Team.

Speaking on the exercise, the team leader, John Danso, said the suspects were picked up during coordinated swoops in different parts of the city as authorities intensify efforts to curb drug-related activities in the area.

The suspects have been identified as Musah Ibrahim, 17; Agundo Yaw, 19; Abubakari Handan, 33; Seidu Fuseini, 25; Iddi Muaz, 19; Abubakari Sumaila, 19; Abdul Hakim Taibu, 28; Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul Malik, 45; Abdul Razak, 20; Mohammed Awal, 20; Mohammed Imoro, 19; and Hamid Abudu, 22.

“We arrested these suspects with various quantities of illicit drugs, including tramadol and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis,” Supt. Danso said.

Police say the suspects were found with quantities of tramadol and substances believed to be cannabis, which were seized as evidence.

In a separate development, the police also rescued a newborn baby boy who had been abandoned in a gutter near the Tamale Police Barracks on March 15, 2026.

“The baby was immediately rushed to Tamale Central Hospital for medical attention and is currently receiving care,” the police said.

The infant is currently being cared for at the Tamale Central Hospital while authorities work to trace those responsible for abandoning the child.

Meanwhile, the 12 suspects remain in police custody and are assisting investigators as the case continues.

“The Northern Regional Police Command wishes to assure the public of its continued commitment to combating drug-related crimes and other criminal activities in the region,” the police said in a statement.

NA/AM

Meanwhile, learn of the story of the man behind the iconic Akwaaba frames in Ghana: