The Ghana Police Service has intensified its fight against narcotics trafficking and violent crime in the Upper East Region, with the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team arresting 74 suspects in two separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Paga and Navrongo.

The operations, which targeted identified criminal hotspots and suspected narcotics distribution networks, led to the arrest of both Ghanaian and foreign nationals, as police continue efforts to clamp down on trans-border crime and drug-related activities in the region.

According to the Police, the first operation was carried out on May 20, 2026, at Paga within the Ghana-Burkina Faso border buffer zone. During the swoop, officers arrested 40 suspects made up of 28 males and 12 females.

The suspects included 23 Ghanaians, eight Nigerians, six Burkinabés, one Malian and one Togolese national. Police retrieved several parcels and sacks of suspected narcotic substances together with five motorbikes believed to have been used in the transportation and distribution of the substances.

In a second operation conducted on May 22, 2026, the Special Operations Team stormed identified criminal enclaves within the Navrongo Municipality. The operation focused on areas such as the Condemned Road Corridor, the “After Six” Spot and the “Lighter Inn” Spot, which security agencies have reportedly identified as centres for criminal activities.

The operation led to the arrest of 34 additional suspects, comprising 32 males and two females. Police also retrieved 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotic substances and assorted foreign cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country.

Police said all the suspects were arraigned before High Court Two on the same day, with proceedings presided over by His Lordship Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie.

Following the hearing, 16 suspects were remanded into Police custody and are expected to reappear before the court on June 4, 2026. The remaining 22 suspects are currently undergoing profiling and screening for further legal action.

The Ghana Police Service indicated that all the suspects remain in custody assisting with investigations, while security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend other persons linked to criminal activities within the affected communities.

The latest operations form part of ongoing nationwide efforts by the Police Administration to combat narcotics trade, violent crime and cross-border criminal networks, particularly in vulnerable border communities across the country.