The Upper East Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has arrested 80 suspects during a major anti-crime operation conducted across several communities in the region.

The intelligence-led exercise, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted areas identified as criminal hotspots, including Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and parts of the Nabdam District. According to police, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.

A statement issued by the Police said 12 suspects — eight men and four women — were arrested at Zuarungu. The female suspects included three Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian.

In Bongo, police arrested 34 suspects, comprising 32 men and two women. Another 14 suspects, made up of 12 men and two women, were arrested during separate operations at Pelungu, Kongo and Nangodi in the Nabdam District, while 20 others were apprehended in Bolgatanga.

Preliminary investigations indicate that many of the suspects are linked to the sale and use of narcotic substances, as well as other criminal activities.

The operation also led to the recovery of several items believed to be connected to criminal activity.

At Tongo, police seized a motorcycle, quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted foreign cigarettes and male condoms. Officers in Bongo also recovered three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes.

In the Nabdam District, police retrieved parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic substances, assorted drinks believed to contain narcotic content, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes and parts of a casino jackpot machine.

The Police said investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be processed in accordance with the law.

Additional items recovered in Bolgatanga included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, a Yamaha Sirius motorbike with registration number M-19-UE 2688, a Luojia motorbike with registration number M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine.

Police say all 80 suspects remain in custody and will be processed for court while investigations continue.