The Upper East Regional Police Command, with support from the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team, has arrested 80 suspects during a large-scale intelligence-led operation conducted across several communities in the region.
The swoop operation, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted suspected criminal activities in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and the Nabdam District.
According to the Police, twelve suspects, made up of eight males and four females, were arrested at Zuarungu. The female suspects included three Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian.
In Bongo, the operation led to the arrest of 34 suspects, comprising 32 males and two females. Another 14 suspects, including 12 males and two females, were arrested during operations at Perlungu, Kongo and Nangodi in the Nabdam District. Police also arrested 20 suspects in Bolgatanga.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were involved in narcotics peddling, drug abuse and other criminal activities.
The operation resulted in the retrieval of several items believed to be linked to criminal activity. In Tongo, officers recovered a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
In Bongo, officers recovered three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes.
The operation in the Nabdam District led to the retrieval of 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 parts of a casino jackpot machine.
Police also recovered dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, a black Yamaha 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 from suspects arrested in Bolgatanga.
The police said all the suspects remain in custody and will be put before the courts to face prosecution.