74 arrested at Paga border zone on drug peddling and violent crime
74 arrested in Upper East as police crack down on drug peddling and violent crime
The IGP’s Special Operations Team has arrested a total of 74 suspects in two separate intelligence-led operations targeting narcotics peddling, violent crime, and other criminal activities in the Upper East Region.
Operation at Paga border zone
On May 20, the team conducted a coordinated operation at Paga within the Ghana–Burkina Faso border buffer zone. The operation resulted in the arrest of 40 suspects, comprising 28 males and 12 females. The suspects include 23 Ghanaians, 8 Nigerians, 6 Burkinabés, 1 Malian, and 1 Togolese national.
Exhibits recovered include parcels and sacks of suspected narcotic substances, as well as five motorbikes believed to have been used for distribution.
Operation in Navrongo Municipality
On May 22, the team conducted another intelligence-led swoop operation at identified criminal hotspots within the Navrongo Municipality, including the Condemned Road Corridor, “After Six” Spot, and “Lighter Inn” Spot.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 34 suspects, made up of 32 males and 2 females. Police also retrieved 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotic substances, and assorted foreign cigarettes.
Court remands
On the same date, the suspects were put before High Court Two, presided over by His Lordship Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie. Sixteen suspects were remanded into police custody to reappear before the court on June 4, 2026. The remaining 22 suspects are currently being profiled for further action.
All the suspects remain in police custody assisting investigations, while efforts continue to identify and arrest other persons connected to criminal activities within the affected areas.
