80 Suspects Grabbed as Police Storm Upper East in Massive Anti‑Crime Sweep

The Upper East Regional Police Command, supported by the Inspector‑General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has arrested 80 suspects in a major intelligence‑led anti‑crime operation conducted across multiple districts in the region.

The operation, carried out between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted criminal hotspots in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and the Nabdam District.

A police statement said 12 suspects—eight males and four females—were arrested at Zuarungu, with the female suspects including three Nigerians and one Ghanaian.

In Bongo, officers picked up 34 suspects, made up of 32 males and two females. Operations in Pelungu, Kongo and Nangodi in the Nabdam District led to the arrest of 14 suspects, including 12 males and two females. Another 20 suspects were arrested in Bolgatanga, bringing the total to 80.

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects were involved in narcotics peddling and consumption, as well as other criminal activities.

During the Tongo operation, police retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

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

The Nabdam District operation yielded parcels and sacks of dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, assorted drinks believed to contain narcotic content, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes and parts of a casino jackpot machine.

In Bolgatanga, police seized dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, a black Yamaha Sirius motorbike (M‑19‑UE 2688), a black Luojia motorbike (M‑13‑UE 7181), an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine.

Police say all 80 suspects remain in custody and will be arraigned to face prosecution.

---CitiNewsRoom