Four suspects have been arrested by the Northern Regional Police Command’s Special Operations Team, known as Red Maria, after being apprehended in possession of 142 parcels of compressed suspected Indian hemp.

This was reported in a formal statement released by the Tamale Police Command and signed by the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Lavoe.

According to the statement the arresting officers also rejected a GHC50,000 bribe allegedly offered by the suspects.

On Thursday, 15 October 2026, at about 6:30 p.m., the team, acting on intelligence, intercepted a mini commercial van with registration number GW 7800-14 travelling from Bimbilla to Tamale. The vehicle was being driven by Alhassan Zeblim, 46, who was suspected of transporting narcotic drugs.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 142 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp concealed in four jute sacks, commonly known as Ghana-Must Go bags.

The driver told the police that he was transporting the consignment to Ibrahim Yussif, 34, a tricycle rider in Tamale. Ibrahim later arrived at an agreed location in the company of his brother, Bawa Yussif, 56. Mohammed Haruna, 32, who was subsequently identified as the owner of the consignment, was also arrested.

The statement also mentioned that all four suspects, together with the exhibits including a tricycle have been handed over to the Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) for further investigation.

The Command commended the officers for their swift action and integrity, and also encouraged similar conduct across the region from personnel.