Two men have been convicted and sentenced to a total of 20 years each for the illegal possession of tramadol hydrochloride, following a successful joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in the North East Region.
The convicted individuals Mumuni Iddrisu and Alhassan Braimah were among six persons arrested on 18th September 2025 at Gbintiri near Nalerigu in connection with 1,195 boxes of tramadol hydrochloride 120mg, a restricted pharmaceutical drug commonly known as “Red.”
According to a police statement, 100 boxes of the substance were found directly in the possession of the two men, who had also concealed over 4,500 packs of the drug in 25 yellow five-litre gallons.
The suspects were first arraigned before the Nalerigu Circuit Court on 19th September 2025, where all six were remanded.
Upon reappearance in court on 26th September, Iddrisu and Braimah pleaded guilty to two counts conspiracy to commit crime and possession of restricted drugs without lawful authority. They were convicted on their own plea.
Presiding Judge, Justice Francis Asobayire, sentenced each of the men to 10 years’ imprisonment per count, to run consecutively.
In addition, they were fined 5,000 penalty units each, equivalent to GH¢60,000. In default of paying the fine, each convict will serve an additional 10 years in prison.
The remaining four accused Yakubu Muntaka, Abdulai Shakur, Mumuni Yakubu, and Moses Ayorik were discharged due to lack of evidence linking them to the crime.
The two convicted persons have since been transferred to the Gambaga local prison to begin serving their sentences.
The Police commended the people of the North East Region, particularly the Nalerigu Youth Association (NAYA), for their support in ensuring the successful arrest and prosecution of the offenders.
“We caution all persons engaged in the illicit drug trade to desist immediately. Anyone found culpable will face the full rigours of the law,” the statement warned.
