Tamale Drug Bust: Police Seize Over 400 Boxes of Tramadol in Major Operation

Northern Regional Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, Alhaji Abdulai Sayuti, for the unlawful possession and distribution of controlled pharmaceutical substances in Tamale.

In a statement issued by the police, the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Officers raided Sayuti’s Over-The-Counter (OTC) chemical shop located near Victory Cinema in the Aboabo area of Tamale. During the search, authorities discovered 368 blister packs of tramadol (120mg) and 298 blister packs of tramaking (120mg)—both potent opioids classified as restricted substances under Ghanaian drug control regulations.

The operation extended beyond the commercial premises. Acting on further intelligence, officers proceeded to the suspect’s residence in Fuo, a suburb of Tamale, where they uncovered a warehouse storing 447 boxes of tramadol and 11 boxes of tramaking—quantities far exceeding legal possession limits and clearly intended for illegal distribution.

Sayuti was arraigned before the court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful possession and unauthorised sale of restricted drugs.

A source present during the hearing reported that the accused collapsed in court and was subsequently transported to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for medical attention.

Following his recovery, Sayuti was remanded into prison custody. He is expected to reappear in court on Monday, July 21, 2025, as investigations continue.

Source: The Ghana Report.