The Ghana Police Service in the Northern Region has arrested 217 individuals as part of an intensified crackdown on drug-related offences and criminal activities under a special operations unit known as “Red Maria.”
At a press briefing, Northern Regional Police Commander Wisdom Lavoe (DCOP) outlined the activities and successes of the team, which was established following the redeployment of the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Unit, popularly known as “Black Maria,” from Tamale.
DCOP Lavoe explained that the “Red Maria” team has carried out intelligence-led operations in several high-risk areas over the past month, including Taxi Rank, Abobabo, Nobisco Forest, Savelugu, Nanton, and Nyankpala.
The operations targeted illicit drug peddling and substance abuse, leading to the arrest of suspects found in possession of or using substances such as Tramadol and Indian hemp. Others were apprehended for offences including prostitution and unlawful assembly.
In total, 217 individuals have been processed before the courts for various offences ranging from drug possession and trafficking to public order violations.
The Regional Commander further disclosed that the crackdown has resulted in the payment of GH¢72,000 in fines, highlighting the impact of the ongoing operations in curbing crime across the region.
