GH¢2 Million Worth of Illicit Drugs Destroyed in Tamale as Taskforce Targets Trafficking Hub
In a significant move to combat drug trafficking and abuse, the Northern Regional Taskforce, in collaboration with the Regional Security Coordinating Directorate, destroyed illicit drugs valued at over GH¢2 million in Tamale on July 14, 2025.
The seized drugs, confiscated within two months of the taskforce’s formation, included over 1,000 packs of 120mg tramadol, 715 packs of 225mg tramadol, 150 packs of 250mg tramadol, and 75 large rolls of marijuana.
The public destruction, supervised by security officials, traditional leaders, and health personnel, aimed to deter drug trafficking and abuse, particularly among youth. Mohammed Kamil Yarinaa, Chairman of the Taskforce, identified Gushegu District as a major transit hub, with 70% of the seized drugs originating there and moving through Savelugu for distribution across the region and beyond.
“Gushegu District has been identified as a major transit hub, with 70% of the seized drugs originating there and moving through Savelugu for distribution across the region and beyond.” – Mohammed Kamil Yarinaa, Chairman of the Taskforce.
National Security Liaison Officer Sulemana Zantia-Na emphasized the urgency of addressing the drug menace to protect the region’s youth, stating, “We needed to take a drastic measure to protect the youth of the region from this menace because they are the future leaders.”
The operation follows a May 2025 arrest of an alleged policeman with six boxes of tramadol in Tamale and reflects ongoing community efforts, such as the 2023 Aboabo youth campaign against drug dealers, where 19 tramadol vendors were identified.
