Community-Led Operation Seizes Illegal Opioids
A community task force in Tamale, backed by the Ghana Police Service and traditional leaders, seized large quantities of high-dose tramadol tablets on July 10, 2025, in a coordinated operation targeting drug hotspots. The effort, part of an ongoing campaign to curb narcotic abuse, followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, as reported by Modern Ghana.
The seized tramadol, a restricted opioid linked to youth addiction, will be publicly burned under the supervision of security officials, health personnel, and community elders to deter drug trafficking. A traditional leader emphasized the community’s role, stating,
This is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a community fight. We are losing our youth to addiction, and it is our collective duty to protect our future.”
The operation builds on prior efforts, including a May 2025 arrest of a police officer, Shani Abdullai, with six boxes of tramadol by the Anti-Tramadol Taskforce, highlighting Tamale’s role as a hub for illicit opioids. The task force, supported by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, plans to intensify collaboration with schools, religious institutions, and civil society to raise awareness about tramadol’s dangers, including addiction and health risks like seizures and organ damage.
Authorities urged residents to report suspicious activities, reinforcing their commitment to a drug-free Tamale. The operation’s success follows a February 2025 BBC exposé revealing Tamale’s crisis with counterfeit tramadol from India, underscoring the need for stronger border controls. The public burning aims to send a strong message against drug peddling, with the task force vowing to sustain its crackdown.
This victory marks a significant step in Tamale’s fight against opioid abuse, with community and law enforcement united to protect youth and restore safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on dismantling trafficking networks and preventing further harm to the region’s future.