Upper East Police Arrest 80 Suspects in 10-Day Anti-Crime Sweep: Drugs, Ammunition, Motorbikes Recovered
Bolgatanga, Upper East
The Upper East Regional Police Command, backed by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has arrested 80 suspects in a 10-day intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hotspots across the region.
The anti-crime sweep ran from May 25 to June 3, 2026, and covered Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo, and the Nabdam District. Police say the operation was aimed at dismantling networks involved in narcotics peddling, consumption, and other violent crimes that have threatened peace in the area.
According to a police statement, 12 suspects were arrested at Zuarungu. The group included 8 males and 4 females, with 3 of the women being Nigerian nationals and 1 Ghanaian. In Bongo, the largest number of arrests was recorded with 34 suspects comprising 32 males and 2 females.Operations at Pelungu, Kongo and Nangodi in the Nabdam District led to the arrest of 14 suspects, including 12 males and 2 females. Bolgatanga contributed another 20 suspects to bring the total to 80.
Preliminary investigations show the suspects were linked to drug trafficking, narcotics consumption, and other criminal activities affecting communities in the region.
Police retrieved a range of items during the raids. In Tongo, officers recovered a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms, and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
In Bongo, the team seized three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes. The presence of military-grade ammunition raised concerns about possible links to armed robbery or other violent crimes.
The Nabdam District operation yielded parcels and sacks of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, assorted drinks believed to contain narcotic content, an unregistered motorbike, assorted foreign cigarettes, and parts of a casino jackpot machine.
In Bolgatanga, police recovered dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, a black Yamaha Sirius motorbike with registration M-19-UE 2688, a black Luojia motorbike with registration M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike, and a casino jackpot machine.
The Upper East Regional Police Command said all 80 suspects remain in custody and will be processed for court. They are expected to face charges ranging from narcotics offenses to possession of ammunition and handling stolen property.
Police commanders praised the IGP’s Special Operations Team for the intelligence and tactical support that made the operation successful. They also urged residents to continue providing information on criminal activities in their communities.
Security analysts say the recovery of ammunition and casino equipment points to a growing link between drug peddling, gambling, and violent crime in border regions. They are calling for sustained patrols and community engagement to prevent a rebound after the arrests.
For now, residents in the affected districts say the police presence has brought relief, but they hope prosecution will be swift to deter others.
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