Police Intensify Anti-Narcotics Drive: 80 Suspects Arrested in Upper East as Savelugu Drug Dealer Receives Jail Term

In a decisive week for law enforcement in northern Ghana, police authorities have secured a significant conviction against a notorious drug dealer in Savelugu while simultaneously rounding up 80 suspects in a massive anti-crime swoop across the Upper East Region. These operations, conducted between late May and early June 2026, signal a coordinated effort by the Ghana Police Service to dismantle narcotics networks and curb rising criminal activities in the northern belt. The crackdown involved both regional commands and the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) Special Operations Team, focusing on identified crime hotspots.

In Tamale, a Circuit Court presided over by ASP Richard Ackumey sentenced Napari Baba Nindow to three years of imprisonment with hard labor on June 5, 2026. Nindow, frequently described as a prominent drug figure in Savelugu, was arrested on June 2 after being found in possession of restricted substances, including tramadol and cannabis. In addition to his prison term, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. Should he fail to pay the fine, Nindow faces an additional five-year sentence. He currently remains in custody awaiting a mandatory health screening before his transfer to prison, with further charges related to the arrest scheduled for a follow-up hearing on June 29, 2026.

Parallel to this conviction, the Upper East Regional Police Command executed a sweeping ten-day operation from May 25 to June 3, 2026. This tactical exercise targeted several districts, including Bolgatanga, Zuarungu, Tongo, Bongo, and the Nabdam District. The operation resulted in the arrest of 80 individuals suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities. The Bongo district saw the highest density of arrests with 34 suspects detained, followed by 12 in Zuarungu. Authorities emphasized that these areas had been flagged as hubs for criminal planning and drug distribution.

Beyond the arrests, law enforcement officials recovered a wide array of contraband and illegal equipment during the raids. Confiscated items included significant quantities of suspected narcotics, foreign cigarettes, ammunition, and various weapons. Additionally, the police seized several unregistered motorbikes and casino jackpot machines used for illegal gambling. These seizures are expected to provide critical evidence as the suspects are processed for court. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regional security and have urged the public to continue providing information that assists in identifying criminal hideouts.