In one of the largest pharmaceutical drug interceptions in Ghana this year, police in the North East Region have seized more than 1,100 boxes of the restricted painkiller Tramadol Hydrochloride and arrested six individuals suspected of trafficking the substance.
The coordinated operation—conducted by the North East Regional Police Command and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC)—took place in Gbintri, near Nalerigu, on September 18. Authorities recovered 1,195 boxes of Tramadol 120mg, commonly referred to on the streets as “Red,” hidden in a truck loaded with assorted goods.
According to a police statement, the suspects—identified as Alhassan Braimah, Yakubu Muntaka, Abdulai Shakur, Mumuni Iddrisu, Mumuni Yakubu, and Moses Ayorik—were intercepted while transporting the drugs in two trucks with registration numbers GR 1712-16 and AW 4417-14. The vehicles were reportedly loaded in Sankase, a town in neighboring Togo, and were bound for Gbintri.
A search of one truck revealed the boxes of Tramadol tucked away among unrelated cargo. During initial interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed the consignment was headed to Moses Ayorik, who was meant to facilitate its transfer to another individual in Gushegu.
All six are currently in custody and assisting with investigations. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to dismantle the broader trafficking network and apprehend other individuals linked to the operation.
In a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Robert Anabiik Anmain, the North East Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on illegal drug trafficking and protecting public health.
Tramadol, though originally developed for moderate to severe pain management, has become a major concern in West Africa due to its widespread misuse, particularly among youth. Abuse of the opioid has been linked to addiction, mental health issues, and fatal overdoses.
Police are urging the public to report suspicious activities and support law enforcement in curbing the illicit drug trade in the region.
