The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects in Tamale for their alleged involvement in drug peddling and abuse.

The suspects—Abdul-Halik Hafiz, Kojo Debrah, and Musah Zubelu—were arrested during a routine patrol conducted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team.

According to the police, Musah Zubelu was found in possession of a substance suspected to be heroin, while Abdul-Halik Hafiz was found with 19 sachets of tramadol. Kojo Debrah was also found with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The operation formed part of enhanced New Year security measures aimed at curbing crimes such as robbery, theft, and attacks on people celebrating the festive season.

The IGP Special Operations Team has been operating in Tamale since November as part of efforts to improve security in the metropolis. The team, led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, has been conducting routine patrols across crime-prone and vulnerable areas.

These operations have led to several arrests of suspected drug peddlers in various districts across the Northern Region.

Prior to the deployment of the team, the Northern Region was widely regarded as one of the hubs of drug-related activities, prompting stakeholders to call for increased security interventions. This situation led some lecturers of the University for Development Studies and other stakeholders to formally write to the Inspector-General of Police, seeking urgent action to address the rising crime situation in the region.

Traditional authorities in the Northern Region have since commended the IGP Special Operations Team for their efforts in restoring safety and maintaining law and order across Tamale and the wider region.