RED MARIA arrests five, recovers firearms and suspected narcotics
The Northern Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as RED MARIA, has arrested five suspects and recovered two foreign-made pistols, ammunition, suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol, Rohypnol and cash during an operation at the Aboabo Scraps Area in the Tamale Metropolis.
The operation, led by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku, was conducted on Monday, September 21, 2026, as part of efforts by the police to clamp down on drug peddling and illicit drug use in the area.
According to the police, a search conducted at the residence of 39-year-old Ibrahim Issahaku led to the recovery of two foreign-made pistols, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, a parcel of suspected Indian hemp and 1,880 Ghana cedis.
Police also say 18,825 Ghana cedis was found concealed inside the motorcycle belonging to 28-year-old Kwame Boateng, who is suspected of engaging in narcotics-related activities.
The other suspects have been identified as 28-year-old Mohamed John and 25-year-old Mohamed Nawas, both suspected of drug use. Forty-one-year-old Mohamed Osman Awal, who is alleged to be the owner of the scrap business at the location, is also accused by the police of harbouring suspected drug peddlers.
Additional exhibits recovered during the operation include 123 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 sachets of Rohypnol, seven sachets of Tramadol, 111 wraps of suspected ashes and three motorbikes.
The five suspects, together with the exhibits, have been conveyed to the Northern Regional Police Headquarters in Tamale and handed over to the Regional Narcotics Drug Unit for further investigation and necessary action.
Source: Northwebonline.com
