Nigerian police intercept 1,520 packets of illicit drugs, arrest suspects

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have seized a large consignment of illegal drugs and arrested several suspects in separate operations carried out across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, made this known in a statement issued on 25 February in Asaba. He said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and violent crimes in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, oversaw the exercise.

According to the statement, officers attached to the Eagle Net Special Squad intercepted a white J5 bus along the Asaba–Agbor Expressway near Northwest Filling Station on 13 February at about 10:30 p.m. The vehicle was stopped during a routine search.

A detailed inspection led to the discovery of 1,520 packets of Tramadol and Swinol tablets. The substances had been hidden beneath company machines inside the bus.

Police arrested the driver, Ebuka Dominion, 30, from Aguta Local Government Area of Anambra State, along with the motor boy, Emmanuel Terdule, 30, from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Investigators said early findings indicate that the drugs were meant for distribution. Further intelligence obtained during interrogation led to the arrest of Peter Akpan, 47, from Mbiaya in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is believed to be the owner of the seized consignment.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the drug network.

In a separate operation on 22 February at about 3:20 p.m., operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team arrested a 23-year-old suspect linked to a series of robbery incidents in Warri.

The suspect later took officers to a bush in the Jedo area of Warri. A locally made gun buried at the location was recovered.

Police said the suspect admitted to being a member of the Aye Confraternity. He also confessed to participating in several door-to-door robbery operations within the Warri area.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

The development comes amid rising concern over drug abuse in Delta State. Recently, community leaders raised alarm over the increasing rate of narcotics consumption among young people.

“We consider this development a matter of urgent public interest requiring coordinated and sustained intervention by all tiers of government and law enforcement agencies,” the elders under the aegis of the Aniocha–Oshimili Elders’ Association stated.

Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also shows the scale of the challenge. The agency’s Delta State Command reported last year that it seized illicit drugs valued at over N3 billion.