The IGP’s Special Operations Team has arrested three soldiers and 16 others in Tamale for the alleged possession and use of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Seven additional suspects were arrested within the barracks enclave for possessing various quantities of the suspected substance, along with quantities of Koffex cough syrup.
In separate operations, two other individuals were arrested in the Water Works area for offences including the possession of suspected narcotics, while seven persons were picked up at the Aboabo Market for possessing various quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Operation
All the suspects were arrested last Monday during the team’s routine operational activities within the Tamale Metropolis, as part of an intensified security initiative aimed at combating criminal activities, including robbery, kidnapping, drug peddling, sexual offences, attacks on mobile money vendors, and other related crimes.
“Additionally, three individuals who identified themselves as military persons were arrested at the same location for possession and use of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp,” a police situational report said.
“Following formal verification of their identities by the team, which confirmed that they were military persons, arrangements were made for their collection by the regional Military Police Command for further actions to be taken,” it added.
It said the action was carried out strictly in accordance with Police Service Instructions (SI) 167, which governs the handling of service personnel involved in criminal matters.
All other suspects, it said, were detained at the Sakasaka Police Station pending further investigations.
“All exhibits were secured and retained for forensic examination and evidential purposes,” the report said.
Personnel
The report said a total of 105 personnel, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bawah Abdul Jalil and DSP Philip Perdison, conducted operations within the metropolis.
Prior to the commencement of activities, it said, personnel received a comprehensive briefing from the Team Commander, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, who emphasised professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to human rights throughout the exercise.
Meanwhile, the team received an invitation from the Vice-Chancellor of the Tamale Technical University, Prof. Bashiru Imoro Iden Saed, to pay a courtesy visit to the institution.
Prof. Saed, it said, expressed his profound appreciation to the IGP Special Operations Team for their sustained efforts in maintaining law and order within the Tamale Metropolis.
The university security leadership, it said, reiterated the need for a stronger and sustained police presence on campus.
“In response, DSP Abdul Jalil emphasised the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the Ghana Police Service and assured the university authorities of the team’s commitment to addressing all identified security challenges within the campus,” it said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh