The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested four suspects after intercepting a consignment of 142 parcels of compressed substances suspected to be Indian hemp near Bimbilla, with the arresting officers rejecting a GH¢50,000 bribe allegedly offered by the suspects.
In a statement dated Friday, October 16, 2026, and signed by Regional Police Commander DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, the police said its Special Operations Team, codenamed “Red Maria,” carried out an intelligence-led operation on Thursday, October 15, at about 6:30 p.m.
The Interception
The team intercepted a mini commercial van with registration number GW 7800-14 travelling from Bimbilla to Tamale. The vehicle was driven by Alhassan Zeblim, 46, who was suspected of transporting narcotic substances
A search of the van uncovered 142 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp concealed in four jute sacks, commonly known as Ghana-Must-Go bags
According to the police, the driver told investigators he was transporting the consignment to Ibrahim Yussif, 34, a tricycle rider in Tamale. Ibrahim later arrived at an agreed location accompanied by his brother, Bawa Yussif, 56. Mohammed Haruna, 32, who was subsequently identified as the owner of the consignment, was also arrested
Bribe Rejected
The four suspects allegedly offered the arresting officers GH¢50,000 to secure their release, but the officers rejected the offer and proceeded with the arrests
The operation was led by Chief Inspector Abu Isahaku and involved 13 personnel from the Northern Regional Special Operations Team
Handed to Drug Unit
All four suspects, together with the exhibits—including the tricycle—have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) for further investigation
The police command commended the officers for their swift action and integrity, and encouraged similar conduct across the region
Broader Context
The bust comes amid heightened concerns over drug trafficking in Ghana’s northern corridor. Bimbilla, the capital of the Nanumba North District, sits along a major highway linking the Northern Region to the Volta and Oti regions, making it a transit point for illicit goods.
The Red Maria team, a specialized unit within the Northern Regional Police Command, has been active in recent months targeting drug networks. In March 2026, a separate intelligence-led operation in Tamale led to the arrest of a suspected supplier who allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢20,000—an offer that was also rejected
The Northern Region has seen a series of drug-related arrests in 2026, with police increasingly emphasizing intelligence-led operations and publicly highlighting cases where officers refuse bribes, part of a broader effort to build public confidence in law enforcement integrity.
Authorities have not yet announced charges against the four suspects, and investigations are ongoing.
