The Northern Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Red Maria,” has arrested eleven (11) suspects in a coordinated anti-drug and anti-crime operation conducted on Sunday, 8th June 2026, at about 10:30 a.m. across parts of the Northern Region.
The operation, led by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku, targeted suspected drug peddling and related criminal activities. During the exercise, the team moved through key locations including Gurugu and Kanvili, where multiple arrests were made and various exhibits retrieved.
At Gurugu, a suspect identified as Abdul Kafaru Alhassan, aged 34, was arrested with one wrap of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and two tablets of Tramadol. Preliminary investigations led officers to Kanvili, where another suspect, Alhassan Zakari, aged 25, was arrested after attempting to flee. A search on him revealed 38 tablets of Royal Tramadol 250mg and 18 tablets of Rohypnol 1mg.
Further intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of Mohammed Awal, aged 36, believed to be a drug supplier, with 40 wraps of suspected Indian hemp and nine tablets of Rohypnol 1mg. The remaining suspects were arrested as alleged users within the operational area.
A total of 41 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 40 tablets of Royal Tramadol, 27 tablets of Rohypnol, bottles of Benylin, six motorbikes, one black Honda Accord vehicle, and one scale were retrieved during the operation.All suspects are currently in custody assisting investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend a fleeing accomplice
