The Ghana Police Service in the Northern Region has arrested 12 suspects and dismantled several drug dens in Tamale as part of a wider operation aimed at reducing crime and improving community safety.
The exercise was led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team and focused on identified crime hotspots across the Tamale metropolis.
According to the leader of the team, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, the operation was carried out with a clear objective.
“We entered these areas with one purpose: to disrupt the activities of drug peddlers and make our communities safer,” he said.
DSP Jalil explained that the operation involved 105 police officers and 10 service vehicles. One of the major targets was the well-known “Aluta Boys” area at Changli, where eight of the suspects were arrested.
The police also seized large quantities of opioids and substances suspected to be Indian hemp during the exercise.
“Our message is simple and firm: drug peddling and abuse will not be tolerated. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure that Tamale remains a safe place to live and do business,” DSP Jalil stated.
As part of the operation, several wooden structures used as hideouts and drug dens were destroyed and set ablaze to prevent their continued use for criminal activities.
DSP Jalil noted that the exercise forms part of the Ghana Police Service’s New Year operational strategy, which is focused on tackling violent and economic crimes, including robbery and attacks on people engaged in commercial activities.
He also appealed to the public to support the police by sharing information that could help strengthen crime-fighting efforts.
“We are committed to proactive, intelligence-led policing and community safety. We urge residents to work with us by providing useful information,” he added.
All 12 suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with investigations. DSP Jalil confirmed that further action will be taken in line with the law.
