By TNR Reporter
The Special Operations Team (SOT) of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has arrested 192 suspects in a series of intelligence-led swoops conducted across parts of the country between October 2 and 29, 2026.
The operations, aimed at clamping down on suspected criminal activities, resulted in the recovery of quantities of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs, firearms, ammunition, unregulated pharmaceutical products and other exhibits.
The operations covered several communities, including New Town, Dansoman, Weija, Tudu, James Town, Shukura, Okaishie, Lapaz, Chantan, Odawna, Teshie, Avenor and Fadama.
One of the major operations was conducted at Teshie on October 22, where 102 suspects, comprising 93 males and nine females, were arrested. The operation led to the recovery of quantities of compressed and dried substances suspected to be narcotic drugs, seven bottles of nitrous oxide and a bottle of Benylin with Codeine. Eight suspects identified as key narcotics peddlers were subsequently referred to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
In a separate operation at Lapaz and Chantan on October 15, the Team arrested 41 suspects, comprising 35 males and six females. Quantities of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances were also retrieved and retained for evidential and forensic examination.
At Okaishie Drug Lane, eight suspects were arrested on October 9, with quantities of suspected narcotic and unregulated pharmaceutical substances, including Tramadol, Rohypnol and codeine-containing products, recovered.
Additional operations conducted at New Town, Dansoman, Weija, Tudu, James Town and Odawna resulted in further arrests and the recovery of suspected narcotic substances, pharmaceutical products, processing equipment and other exhibits.
At Odawna, a 52-year-old businessman, Richard Polo, was arrested following surveillance. Quantities of substances suspected to be cocaine and other narcotic drugs were recovered from a hideout linked to him.
The Team also carried out operations at Fadama and Shukura on October 28 and 29, respectively, leading to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Douglas Kobby, 47, and Habib Yakubu.
Items retrieved during the operations included four parcels of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, seven cartridges, a pump-action magazine, a dagger and a machete.
In a separate operation at Alabonu, Asutuare, three persons suspected to be members of a vigilante group were arrested and handed over to the Tema Regional Police Command for further investigation.
Meanwhile, operations conducted by the Special Operations Team in the Eastern Region resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of a pump-action shotgun, ammunition, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol.
All the suspects are currently in Police custody and assisting with investigations. The Police say efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected to the suspected criminal activities.