Police turn down GHC 20,000 bribe, arrest drug suspect in Tamale
By Tina Moses Sam
Officers of the Ghana Police Service in the Northern Region have rejected a GHC20,000 bribe and arrested a suspected Indian hemp supplier in Tamale following an intelligence-led operation.
The suspect, identified as Lukman Karim, a farmer from Diare in the Savelugu Municipality, was picked up on Friday, 13 March 2026, by personnel from the Northern Regional Police Intelligence Directorate after weeks of surveillance into his alleged involvement in the cultivation and supply of Indian hemp to markets within Tamale.
According to the police, the officers moved to the suspect’s residence at about 5:30 p.m. where he was arrested.
A search conducted on the premises led to the discovery of two and a half large sacks of soya beans suspected to be concealing Indian hemp.
Police said the suspect attempted to bribe the officers with GHC20,000 in an effort to secure his release, but the officers rejected the offer and proceeded with the arrest in line with the law.
During interrogation, Lukman Karim reportedly mentioned one Alhaji Moro as an accomplice in the alleged drug trade.
Police say efforts are currently underway to track down the suspect and dismantle the supply network believed to be distributing the illicit substances within Tamale and surrounding communities. Karim has since been transported together with the exhibits to the Northern Regional Police Headquarters in Tamale.
The case has been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the newly commissioned Red Maria Team, in separate operations carried out on the same day in Gumani, Gurugu and Kanvili, also arrested 10 suspects for drug trafficking and impounded three motorbikes.
The suspects were found in possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol and are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
The Northern Regional Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to intensify intelligence-led operations to combat drug trafficking and related crimes in the region.
