Omanghana
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested two men and seized 170 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp during an intelligence-led operation in the Tamale Metropolis.
The operation was carried out by the Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Red Maria,” at Katariga on Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m.
The two suspects have been identified as Godwin Yamegi, 32, and Seth Amekuse, 33. Both remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Initial Arrest Leads Police to Suspected Supplier
According to a statement from the Northern Regional Police Command, the operation began with the arrest of Yamegi at Katariga.
Officers allegedly found two compressed parcels of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis in his possession.
During preliminary questioning, Yamegi reportedly identified Amekuse as the person who supplied him with the substances. Police subsequently acted on the information and proceeded to Amekuse’s residence in the same community.
The operation was led by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku, who heads the Red Maria team.
Additional 168 Parcels Recovered
Police arrested Amekuse at his residence before conducting a search of the premises.
The search allegedly uncovered an additional 168 parcels of compressed dried leaves concealed in his room. Together with the two parcels recovered from Yamegi, the seizure reached a total of 170 parcels.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the total weight or estimated street value of the substances.
The materials remain classified as suspected Indian hemp until laboratory examinations confirm their composition.
Exhibits Transferred for Further Investigation
The seized parcels have been secured and handed over to the Regional Drugs Law Enforcement Unit for further action and evidential processing.
The unit is expected to conduct a detailed inventory and arrange the necessary scientific examination of the substances. The outcome of that process will help determine the specific charges prosecutors may bring against the suspects.
Police are also investigating whether other individuals are connected to the alleged supply chain.
Yamegi and Amekuse are expected to be arraigned before court after the investigators complete the initial stages of the case.
The allegations against them have not yet been proven, and both suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence until a court determines otherwise.
Red Maria Intensifies Anti-Drug Operations
The latest seizure forms part of a broader campaign by the Northern Regional Police Command to disrupt drug peddling and trafficking across Tamale and surrounding communities.
The Red Maria team has conducted several operations in the region during 2026, targeting areas identified by police intelligence as drug hotspots.
In April, the task force arrested seven suspects and recovered 40 wraps of substances believed to be Indian hemp during operations in Zogbeli, Kukuo and Savelugu.
Another exercise later that month resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected drug peddlers in Tamale and Tolon. Police reportedly recovered dried leaves suspected to be cannabis and quantities of Tramadol during that operation.
In May, 24 additional suspects were arrested in the Tamale Metropolis, with officers retrieving suspected cannabis, Tramadol, motorbikes and other exhibits.
The command says the sustained operations are intended to reduce the availability of illicit substances and address other crimes associated with drug distribution.
Investigators Target Wider Supply Network
Police are now expected to examine communication records, movements and possible financial transactions connected to the two suspects.
Investigators may also attempt to establish where the 168 parcels allegedly found in Amekuse’s room originated and whether they were intended for distribution within Tamale or transportation to other parts of the country.
The arrest of an alleged street-level dealer can provide information about suppliers, storage locations and distribution routes. However, investigators must independently verify any statements made during questioning before relying on them as evidence.
The Northern Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on suspected drug networks and related criminal activity.
Authorities have also encouraged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspected trafficking or drug-peddling operations within their communities.
Source: Omanghana
