The Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday announced the arrest of two suspected illicit drug dealers and the recovery of substances suspected to be cannabis, methamphetamine and other hard drugs valued at N6.2 million in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which also led to the recovery of N598,400 in cash, was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected drug dealers operating in the area.
The suspects were identified by the police as 47-year-old Nzube Onyedikachukwu, also known as “Onyeoma”, and 20-year-old Ugochukwu Azia.
A statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation was conducted as part of intensified intelligence-led operations following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to dismantle criminal hideouts across the country.
According to the statement, the operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Obosi and conducted a search, leading to the recovery of the suspected illicit drugs and cash.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, while the location is being used as a gathering point by suspected criminal elements after carrying out their operations,” the statement said.
It added that some suspected criminals reportedly fled the scene after sighting the police.
“The two suspects are currently in police custody, while investigation has commenced to determine the source and distribution network of the suspected drugs, identify other persons allegedly connected to the operation and establish the circumstances surrounding the cash recovered,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led raids, targeted operations and proactive policing to dismantle criminal hideouts and deny criminals safe havens in the state.
He also appealed to residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the police by providing credible and timely information about suspicious persons, criminal activities and suspected criminal hideouts, Ikenga said.
