The North East Regional Police Command, in close collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has intercepted a massive consignment of 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, popularly known on the streets as Red at Gbintiri near Nalerigu.
The restricted pharmaceutical-grade opioid was concealed in a truck that had travelled from Sankase in the Republic of Togo, en route to Gbintiri. Acting on intelligence, police officers intercepted two trucks, registered GR 1712-16 and AW 4417-14, and arrested six suspects at the scene.
Those arrested include:
- Alhassan Braimah
- Yakubu Muntaka
- Abdulai Shakur
- Mumuni Iddrisu
- Mumuni Yakubu
- Moses Ayorik
A comprehensive search of the vehicles uncovered the hidden boxes of Tramadol, secured among other transported goods. According to the police, the truck bearing registration number GR 1712-16 was carrying the bulk of the illicit pharmaceutical cargo.
Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the intercepted consignment was intended for onward delivery from Gbintiri to an unidentified recipient in Gushegu. Moses Ayorik was reportedly to oversee the transfer of the drugs.
The intercepted consignment has been secured for evidential purposes, and all six suspects remain in custody to assist ongoing investigations. Authorities say efforts are currently underway to trace and arrest additional individuals believed to be connected to the case.
The operation, according to police, is part of a broader crackdown on pharmaceutical smuggling and drug abuse in Ghana’s border regions, where illicit opioid use has been linked to rising youth addiction and criminal activity.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr. Robert Anabik Anmain, Head of Public Affairs for the North East Region, confirmed the arrests and assured the public of the police service’s commitment to flushing out drug trafficking syndicates.
“We are working closely with our national and regional partners to dismantle these criminal networks and safeguard public health and security,” DSP Anmain stated.
Further updates will be issued as investigations progress.
