Ghana’s Fight Against Narcotic Drugs: Police Arrest 14 Suspects in Upper East

BY; Regina Bless

The fight against narcotic drug cultivation, distribution and abuse remains a major priority for Ghana as the country continues efforts to protect young people and communities from the devastating effects of drug-related activities.

In the latest development, the Upper East Regional Police Command has arrested 14 suspects for their alleged involvement in the cultivation and distribution of narcotic drugs at Daliga in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region.

The suspects were arrested on August 16, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) together with the newly formed Black Cobra Team.

According to the Police, a search conducted during the operation led to the discovery of a large quantity of suspected narcotic drugs concealed in sacks of millet and maize.

Preliminary investigations indicate that suspected Indian hemp was being cultivated alongside millet and maize as a deliberate attempt to conceal the farms and evade detection by law enforcement authorities.

The suspects are also believed to be major suppliers of narcotic drugs to several drug peddlers operating across the region.

The arrests highlight the growing need for sustained intelligence-led operations, stronger community cooperation and effective enforcement in the fight against the illegal drug trade.

For Ghana, the fight against narcotic drugs is not only a law-enforcement responsibility but also a public health and youth-protection priority. The illegal cultivation and distribution of drugs can expose young people to addiction, crime and other social challenges while undermining the safety and development of communities.

The police have therefore urged the public to support efforts to identify and report suspected drug-related activities in their communities. Such collaboration can help law enforcement agencies detect hidden farms, disrupt supply networks and prevent narcotic drugs from reaching vulnerable populations.

The 14 suspects remain in Police custody and are expected to be put before the court to face the full rigours of the law.

As Ghana intensifies its fight against narcotic drugs, the latest arrests serve as a reminder that combating the illegal drug trade requires a collective effort involving security agencies, communities, families, schools and other stakeholders. The ultimate goal must be to create safer communities and protect the future of the country’s youth.