IGP Special Operations Team nabs all‑female suspected drug trafficking ring in Tamale

Introduction

The recent IGP Special Operations Team raid in Tamale that resulted in the arrest of an all‑female drug trafficking ring has drawn national attention. In December 2025, officers from the elite unit seized large quantities of tramadol, hashish, and an unregistered motorcycle while detaining three key suspects – Aisha, Asia, and Hawabu – at the Sakasaka Police Station. This operation forms part of a broader Northern Ghana drug bust strategy aimed at curbing the rising abuse of pharmaceutical opioids and other controlled substances. The following article breaks down the incident, places it in context, analyses its significance, and offers practical guidance for community members and stakeholders.

Key Points

Background

Drug trafficking in Ghana, particularly in the Northern Region, has evolved over the past decade into a sophisticated network that exploits porous borders and informal transport routes. Tramadol, a synthetic opioid often diverted from legitimate pharmaceutical channels, has become one of the most abused substances among urban youth. According to the Ghana Narcotics Control Board, seizures of tramadol have increased by more than 30 % since 2022, prompting law‑enforcement agencies to adopt targeted interventions.

Tamale, as the regional capital of the Northern Region, serves as a key logistical hub for the movement of goods and people between Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This geographic advantage has made the city a frequent corridor for smuggling illicit narcotics, including hashish and other cannabis‑derived products. In response, the IGP Special Operations Team was established to conduct high‑risk, intelligence‑driven operations that focus on dismantling organized drug syndicates, especially those that operate covertly within marketplaces, taxi ranks, and residential neighborhoods.

The current operation marks the first publicly confirmed instance of an all‑female drug trafficking ring being disrupted in Ghana. While female participation in drug trade is often under‑reported, recent intelligence indicated that women were using legitimate business fronts — such as provision stores — to conceal illicit activities. This development underscores the need for law‑enforcement strategies that are sensitive to gender‑specific tactics while maintaining rigorous legal standards.

Analysis

From an operational perspective, the raid illustrates several best practices in modern narcotics policing:

1. Intelligence‑led planning – The team initiated routine patrols in Kalpohini before acting on a tip that led to the identification of Aisha’s provision store as a front.
2. Multi‑stage execution – After the initial arrest, investigators conducted a follow‑up search of the suspect’s home, uncovering additional contraband and linking the operation to a broader supply chain.
3. Targeted interdiction – By focusing on both the street‑level distributors (Aisha and Asia) and the alleged middleman (Hawabu), the operation aimed to disrupt the entire trafficking pipeline.
4. Public communication – The spokesperson’s press briefing reinforced transparency, reassuring citizens that the police force is actively combating drug abuse.

Legally, the arrests invoke Ghana’s Narcotic Drugs Decree of 1992, as amended by the Narcotic Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2015. Under these statutes, possession of tramadol with intent to distribute is punishable by a minimum of five years and a maximum of twenty‑five years of imprisonment, along with confiscation of assets. The same penalties apply to the possession of unlicensed cannabis products, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges faced by the suspects.

From a public‑health standpoint, the seizure of six sachets of tramadol could potentially prevent the distribution of a substance that, according to the World Health Organization, contributes to rising rates of opioid dependence in West Africa. By intercepting the supply at an early stage, the operation may reduce the availability of these drugs in local schools and communities, thereby mitigating the risk of misuse.

Finally, the operation’s emphasis on “all‑female” involvement brings attention to gender dynamics in illicit economies. It challenges the stereotype that drug trafficking is exclusively male‑driven and highlights the importance of tailoring prevention programs to address the specific socio‑economic factors that may drive women into drug‑related activities, such as poverty, limited employment opportunities, and coercive recruitment.

Practical Advice

Community members, local leaders, and stakeholders can support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking through several actionable steps:

• Report suspicious activity – Residents are encouraged to notify the police of any unusual behavior in neighborhoods, such as frequent, unexplained deliveries or the presence of unregistered vehicles near schools or markets.
• Support livelihood programs – Economic empowerment initiatives that provide vocational training and micro‑finance for women can reduce vulnerability to recruitment by drug syndicates.
• Promote drug‑awareness education – Schools and community centers should incorporate information about the dangers of opioid misuse and the legal consequences of drug offenses.
• Collaborate with law‑enforcement – Neighborhood watch groups can work alongside the IGP Special Operations Team by sharing intelligence anonymously through dedicated hotlines.
• Engage in rehabilitation – Families of individuals arrested for drug‑related offenses should seek counseling and rehabilitation services to prevent recidivism.

By integrating these measures, communities can contribute to a safer environment and assist authorities in sustaining the momentum achieved through high‑profile operations like the Tamale raid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was seized during the operation?

During the search of Aisha’s residence, officers recovered six sachets of tramadol capsules, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp (hashish), and an unregistered motorcycle that was believed to be used for transporting contraband. All seized items were transferred to the investigation unit at Sakasaka Police Station for forensic analysis.

Who led the operation?

The raid was conducted by the IGP Special Operations Team, a specialized unit of the Ghana Police Service. ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil served as the official spokesperson, providing public updates on the arrests and the progress of the investigation.

What legal framework governs drug trafficking in Ghana?

Drug trafficking and possession are regulated primarily by the Narcotic Drugs Decree of 1992, which has been amended by the Narcotic Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2015. These laws stipulate severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to twenty‑five years, for offenses involving controlled substances such as tramadol and cannabis.

How does this arrest impact the community?

The arrest signals a decisive move by law‑enforcement to target drug networks that threaten public health and safety. It also raises awareness about the involvement of women in drug trafficking, encouraging more inclusive prevention strategies. By disrupting the supply chain, the operation may reduce the availability of illicit opioids, thereby lowering the risk of addiction among vulnerable populations.

Are there any upcoming similar operations?

While specific future operations are not publicly disclosed for security reasons, the IGP Special Operations Team has indicated that it will continue to conduct intelligence‑driven raids across the Northern Region and other hotspots to curb drug trafficking and protect community well‑being.

Conclusion

The successful narcotics seizure in Tamale represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking. By apprehending three key members of an all‑female drug trafficking ring, the IGP Special Operations Team demonstrated its capability to execute precise, intelligence‑based actions that dismantle criminal networks. The operation not only removed dangerous substances — including tramadol and hashish — from the streets, but also reinforced public confidence in law‑enforcement’s commitment to safeguarding the Northern Region.

For lasting impact, continued collaboration between police, community leaders, and health agencies is essential. When citizens remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support preventive education, the collective effort can curtail the spread of illicit drugs and promote a healthier, safer society. The Tamale case serves as a model for future operations, highlighting the importance of targeting both the supply chain and the socio‑economic factors that enable drug trafficking to thrive.