Three arrested with 1,399 packs of restricted drug hidden in spare tyre on Tamale–Bolgatanga highway

Three persons have been arrested for possessing restricted pharmaceutical drugs and an unlicensed firearm during a night patrol by the police near Diare, a suburb of Savelugu in the Northern Region.

The arrests took place on Sunday, August 3, 2025, during routine checks along the Tamale–Bolgatanga highway.

According to a police statement issued on Monday, the first suspect, Jabuni S. Mohammed, was driving a Nissan Hardbody pick-up with registration number GN 2812–20.

He failed to stop at a checkpoint at Diare and attempted to flee into nearby bushes after abandoning the vehicle. He was arrested shortly after.

A search of the vehicle revealed 1,399 blister foils of Tafrodol 120mg, a restricted drug, hidden inside a deflated spare tyre. A loaded pistol was also found concealed in the headrest.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two others, Alidu Abdul Samed and Abdul Aziz.

They were intercepted on an unregistered motorbike while reportedly on their way to meet Jabuni.

All three suspects are in police custody and will be put before court.

The Northern Regional Police Command says it will continue to intensify highway patrols and intelligence-led operations to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking and unauthorised possession of firearms, particularly along transit routes in the northern corridor.