Security officials have intercepted more than 400 boxes of Tramadol in a major anti-drug operation in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital.
The Northern Regional Police Command busted a 53-year-old man, Alhaji Abdulai Sayuti, for unlawful possession and sale of restricted pharmaceutical drugs.
The seizure, described as one of the largest in recent months, forms part of a renewed crackdown on the abuse and illegal distribution of controlled substances in the country.
The Police in a statement said a search at his shop revealed 368 blisters of tramadol and 298 blisters of tramaking, both powerful opioids restricted under Ghanaian law.
The 53-year-old was arrested on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at around 1:30 p.m.
According to law enforcement, the operation was carried out following intelligence reports about the transportation of the banned pharmaceutical product at Victory Cinema near Aboabo, where the suspect operates an Over-The-Counter (OTC) chemical shop.
The police said an initial search at the shop led to the discovery of 368 blisters of tramadol (120mg) and 298 blisters of tramaking (120mg), both of which are controlled substances under Ghana’s drug laws.
Further investigations led authorities to the suspect’s residence in Fuo, another suburb of Tamale, where they uncovered a warehouse containing a staggering 447 boxes of tramadol and 11 boxes of tramaking.
Alhaji Sayuti was arraigned before the court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to charges of possessing restricted drugs and engaging in the unauthorised sale of those drugs.
Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, has been at the centre of a growing public health crisis in Ghana. Health experts warn that the abuse of the drug can lead to addiction, severe mental health issues, and even death.
Despite the government regulations and periodic crackdowns, the illegal trade remains rampant, especially in the northern parts of the country.
