GH¢2 Million Worth of Illicit Drugs Destroyed in Tamale as Taskforce Targets Trafficking Hub
On July 14, 2025, the Northern Regional Taskforce, in collaboration with the Regional Security Coordinating Directorate, destroyed illicit drugs valued at over GH¢2 million in Tamale, seized within two months of the taskforce’s formation.
The confiscated items included over 1,000 packs of 120mg tramadol, 715 packs of 225mg tramadol, 150 packs of 250mg tramadol, and 75 large rolls of marijuana, as reported by DailyGuide .
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.
This aligns with earlier reports, such as a February 2025 customs seizure of GH¢20.6 million worth of illicit cigarettes and tapentadol tablets along the Nanton-Gushegu road, highlighting the area’s role in trafficking networks.
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. Studies, including a 2024 ResearchGate report, underscore tramadol’s widespread abuse among Tamale’s youth, particularly tricycle drivers, driven by factors like peer pressure and the pursuit of energy or pain relief, with side effects including accidents and health issues.
The taskforce’s actions, backed by traditional leaders and the Ghana Police Service, signal a robust response to the region’s drug crisis, though challenges persist due to Gushegu’s strategic role in trafficking routes
