The Northern Regional Police Command has intensified its fight against drug peddling in Tamale following the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect during a special anti-drug operation carried out by the Police Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Red Maria.”
The suspect, identified as Abdul Manan, was arrested at an over-the-counter pharmacy shop located at Zujung in the Tamale Metropolis after police acted on intelligence regarding the alleged sale and distribution of suspected illicit pharmaceutical drugs.
Police sources disclosed that the operation was conducted by a 44-member taskforce under the leadership of Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku as part of a sustained campaign aimed at reducing the circulation of dangerous and unapproved drugs within communities in the Northern Region.
During a search at the suspect’s pharmacy shop and residence, officers retrieved a quantity of suspected illicit drugs believed to have been prepared for sale.
The exhibits seized by the police included thirty-two boxes of 50mg Tramadol, one box of 250mg Tramadol, one sachet of 120mg Royal Tramadol, one sachet of 100mg Tramadol, nine boxes of 32mg Astradol-P, as well as twenty-four bottles of Koffex cough syrup.
All the retrieved items have been kept in police custody to assist ongoing investigations and possible prosecution.
Police officials say the operation forms part of broader efforts to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, and to dismantle networks involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceutical products.
According to the command, intelligence-led operations will continue across the region to identify and arrest persons involved in drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
“The Northern Regional Police Command remains committed to fighting drug peddling and related crimes in the region. We will continue to carry out intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety and security of the public,” the police stated.
Abdul Manan is currently assisting investigators while further inquiries are conducted into the source and distribution channels of the suspected drugs.
