The Ghana Police Service’s Special Operations Team has arrested 32 suspects and retrieved large quantities of suspected narcotics during an intelligence-led operation in the Tamale Metropolis on Monday, December 1.

The operation also resulted in the death of an armed suspect who allegedly opened fire on officers.

The team, led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, first paid a courtesy call on the leader of Masjidul Bayan, Sheikh Basha, to formally announce its presence in the region and seek prayers for a peaceful operation.

“We are here to combat robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, illicit drug peddling and usage, and other crimes of national concern,” ASP Jalil told the religious leaders during the visit.

Sheikh Basha commended the Police Service for its ongoing anti-crime efforts and assured the officers of continuous prayers for the Inspector General of Police, the President, and the security agencies.

After the courtesy call, the officers moved to Sanzhirigu, where a house was reportedly being used as a hub for drug sale and consumption. Five suspects were arrested, while dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and Koffex cough syrup were seized.

Acting on further intelligence, the team stormed the Aboabo Forest enclave, a known hotspot for criminal gangs involved in robbery and drug trafficking. A coordinated swoop led to the arrest of 27 suspects, along with suspected narcotics, opioid tablets, six motorbikes, and three mobile phones believed to be stolen.

The operation, however, turned violent when a group of armed men confronted the officers. Police say the attackers opened fire “without warning,” forcing the team to return fire in what they described as legitimate self-defence. One suspect was shot and later pronounced dead at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

ASP Jalil noted that the response was necessary to neutralise an imminent threat. He said prior intelligence had confirmed that the criminals were heavily armed and prepared to confront law enforcement.

“The officers acted professionally under life-threatening circumstances and prevented further harm to residents,” he stated in the report.

All arrested suspects are currently being held at the District Charge Office and the Sakasaka Police Station. The suspected drugs have been handed over for forensic analysis, while the motorbikes and phones are being kept for further investigations.

The Special Operations Team, made up of 50 officers and eight service vehicles, including a Black Maria, is expected to continue operations within the metropolis as part of efforts to curb rising violent crime in the Northern Region.