Over 250 Suspects Put Before Court after Fortnight of Operation Red Maria

Credit: Iddrisu Kumbundoo

The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested more than 250 suspects through intelligence-led operations carried out by its newly formed Red Maria team.

Chief Superintendent of Police Richard Odartey, who is in charge of regional operations, disclosed this during the launch of the Communication Students Association of Ghana (COMSAG) Week celebration at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus.

According to him, all the suspects have been arraigned before the Tamale Circuit Court. He noted that while some have pleaded guilty, others have been granted bail, with sentencing in some cases deferred.

Mr. Odartey further revealed that in a recent intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday, 77 additional suspects were arrested. He indicated that the suspects are expected to be put before the court on drug-related charges and other offences.

The COMSAG Week celebration is being held under the theme: “The Role of Effective Communication in Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Political Violence Among the Youth.”

The Red Maria team, formed some two weeks ago by the Northern Regional Police Command, replaces the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as “Black Maria.” The previous team was recalled to Accra after what police described as a successful anti-crime campaign.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Nyankpala, Naa Mahama Ibrahim, commended the efforts of the Black Maria team, stating that despite some excesses, their operations left a significant impact in the region. He urged the Red Maria team to learn from the shortcomings of their predecessors and conduct their duties with professionalism.

Mr. Odartey and the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer represented the Regional Police Commander at the event.