The Ghana Police Service has escalated its campaign against narcotics trafficking and violent crime in the Upper East Region, culminating in the arrest of 74 individuals during two recent operations in Paga and Navrongo.
Acting on intelligence, the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team launched a targeted crackdown on known criminal hotspots and suspected drug distribution networks. These efforts aim to disrupt trans-border crime and curb the flow of narcotics in the region.
The first major sweep took place on May 20, 2026, along the buffer zone at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border in Paga. Officers apprehended 40 suspects, 28 men and 12 women, comprising a mix of nationalities: 23 Ghanaians, 8 Nigerians, 6 Burkinabés, 1 Malian, and 1 Togolese. During the operation, police seized numerous parcels and sacks containing suspected narcotic substances as well as five motorbikes believed to be integral to the drug distribution network.
Just two days later, on May 22, the Special Operations Team moved into action again, this time raiding criminal enclaves in Navrongo Municipality. The focus was on areas infamously known for illicit activities, such as the Condemned Road Corridor, “After Six” Spot, and “Lighter Inn” Spot. This second operation netted 34 more suspects, 32 men and two women. Authorities also confiscated 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected drugs, and various foreign cigarettes suspected of being smuggled into Ghana.
All 74 suspects were promptly brought before High Court Two under the jurisdiction of His Lordship Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie. Sixteen of them were remanded into police custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for June 4, 2026. The remaining 22 suspects are currently being profiled and screened for further legal proceedings.
According to the Police, all those arrested remain in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. Security agencies have vowed to continue their efforts to identify and apprehend additional individuals connected to criminal activities in the affected communities.
These latest operations underscore the Ghana Police Service’s nationwide commitment to dismantling the narcotics trade, fighting violent crime, and tackling cross-border criminal networks, particularly in vulnerable border communities.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com