A police operation across parts of the Upper East Region has resulted in the arrest of 80 suspects and the seizure of suspected narcotics, ammunition, unregistered motorbikes and casino jackpot machines.

The intelligence-led operation was conducted between May 25 and June 3, 2026, in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and parts of the Nabdam District. It was carried out by the Upper East Regional Police Command with support from the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team.

According to a statement signed by the Upper East Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Abdul-Rahman Sumaila, the exercise followed intelligence gathered on suspected criminal activities in the area.

At Zuarungu, police arrested 12 suspects made up of eight males and four females. Three of the female suspects are Nigerian nationals, while one is Ghanaian.

In Bongo, 34 suspects, comprising 32 males and two females, were arrested.

Another 14 suspects were arrested at Perlungu, Kongo and Nangodi in the Nabdam District, while 20 suspects were picked up in Bolgatanga.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were involved in narcotic peddling, narcotic use and other related criminal activities.

Items retrieved during the operation included substances suspected to be narcotics, foreign cigarettes, ammunition, motorbikes and casino jackpot machines.

In Tongo, officers seized a motorbike, foreign cigarettes, condoms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

At Bongo, three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes were recovered.

In the Nabdam District, police retrieved parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, drinks believed to contain narcotic content, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes and parts of casino jackpot machines.

In Bolgatanga, officers recovered dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, several motorbikes and a casino jackpot machine.

All 80 suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be put before court.

The police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics-related offences and other criminal activities in the Upper East Region.

Headline: Police arrest 80 suspects, seize narcotics and ammunition in Upper East operation