Red Maria arrests 259 suspects in special swoops in two weeks

‎In just two weeks after the redeployment of the Inspector General of Police Special Operations Team also known as the Black Maria from Tamale, the Northern Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit have made significant gains in the fight against illicit drugs trade and usage in Tamale and it’s adjoining districts.
‎
‎The Custodian online has gathered that a total number of two hundred and fifty-nine (259) suspects have been apprehended in special operations conducted in the Tamale metropolis, Kumbungu and Savelugu municipalities within the period.
‎
‎The Northern Regional Public Relations Officer of Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Luckman Niendow Alhassan who confirmed the arrest noted all suspects have been arraigned before the Tamale Circuit Court.
‎
‎”So far, some have been convicted and sentenced, while others are awaiting their sentences” he added.
‎
‎The rest were however been granted bail. In the latest development, the Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit also referred to as the Red Maria have arrested 9 suspects during a routine anti-drug peddling operation within the regional capital, Tamale, on Wednesday, March 25.
‎
‎The team first made an arrest of four persons namely: Fadil Rahaman ,aged ,19 years, Imoro Muftawu, aged 18 years, Safian Shahadu, aged 29 years and Sulemana Iddrisu, aged, 21 years at water works, suburb of Tamale.
‎
‎The taskforce subsequently stormed the central business area where Basheru Sadat, aged 30, Sumaila Majid, aged 23, Alhassan Abdul Salam, aged 20 and Sumaila Zakaria, aged 35, were all picked up at the around the STC bus terminal.
‎
‎At about 2230 hours, the team also arrested Inusah Mohammed, aged 29, at Vitting.
‎
‎Meanwhile, the taskforce retrieved 10 motorbikes, quantities of Tramadol, and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp during the operations.
‎
‎Chief Inspector Luckman Niendow said all the suspects are in police custody to assist in investigations.
‎