‘Red Maria’ arrests 12 suspects, recovers firearms and suspected drugs in Tamale
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested 12 suspects and recovered three firearms and suspected narcotic substances during an anti-drug and crime prevention operation in the Tamale Metropolis.
The operation was conducted on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Northern Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as RED MARIA.
Police in a statement said the team first moved to Fuo, where seven suspects were arrested for allegedly engaging in illicit drug use. The team later proceeded to Kukuo, where five more suspects were arrested.
According to the Police, searches conducted at the premises of some of the suspects led to the recovery of two locally manufactured pistols and one pump-action weapon.
The operation also led to the recovery of six sachets of Tramadol 250mg and 25 wraps of suspected Indian hemp.
One of the suspects, identified as 41-year-old Idrissu Alhassan, was arrested for allegedly facilitating his brother’s purchase of a pump-action weapon from an unidentified person. Police said a search of his room led to the recovery of a locally manufactured pistol.
Another suspect, 25-year-old Idrissu Fusein, was arrested after a pump-action weapon was allegedly found concealed behind a Ghana Must Go bag in his room.
Police also arrested other occupants of the premises as part of the operation.
The Northern Regional Police Command said the operation forms part of its efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade and the possession of illegal firearms in the region.
In a statement, the Command said the operation was evidence of its “continued efforts to rid Tamale and the entire Northern Region of illicit and illegal drugs peddlers and users and persons in possession of illegal weapons.”
The Command further commended the RED MARIA team for what it described as an “intelligence-led operation” that resulted in the arrest of the 12 suspects and the recovery of the firearms and suspected narcotic substances.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been sent to the Northern Regional Police Headquarters in Tamale and handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department and the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
The Police said the suspects would be arraigned before court after investigations to face prosecution.
