80 suspects picked up in Upper East Region in a police swoop
A total of 80 suspects have been picked up in a major intelligence-led anti-crime operation carried out across parts of the Upper East Region.
The operation, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, covered Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and communities in the Nabdam District, leading to the arrest of suspects believed to be involved in narcotic peddling, drug abuse and other criminal activities.
Police also retrieved suspected narcotic substances, ammunition, motorbikes, foreign cigarettes and casino jackpot machines during the operation.
The arrests and recoveries were made known in a police press release dated, June 4, 2026.
Zuarungu arrests
At Zuarungu, police arrested 12 suspects comprising eight males and four females.
The female suspects included three Nigerians and one Ghanaian.
The statement said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were involved in narcotic peddling and consumption as well as other criminal-related activities.
Bongo swoop
Bongo recorded the highest number of arrests during the operation, with 34 suspects apprehended. The suspects comprised 32 males and two females.
Security personnel also retrieved three rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes from the area.
The recovery of live ammunition has heightened investigations into possible links between some of the suspects and other criminal activities.
Nabdam operation
In the Nabdam District, the operation targeted Pelungu, Kongo and Nangodi, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects made up of 12 males and two females.
Police recovered parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, assorted drinks believed to contain narcotic content, an unregistered motorbike, assorted foreign cigarettes and pieces of a casino jackpot machine.
The statement said the exhibits had been retained for further investigations.
Bolgatanga arrests
A further 20 suspects were arrested in Bolgatanga.
Items retrieved from the suspects included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, a Yamaha black Sirius motorbike with registration number M-19-UE 2688, a black Luojia motorbike with registration number M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine.
Recoveries in Tongo
At Tongo, the police recovered a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The recoveries formed part of the broader operation aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating within the region.
Court action
The Regional Police Command said all the suspects were in police custody assisting investigations.
It added that they would be put before the court to face the full rigours of the law after investigations.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating narcotic trafficking, drug abuse and other criminal activities and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
