In sustenance to its proactive operations against criminal elements, operatives of Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, have recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against illicit drugs and illegal possession of ammunition with the interception of ammunition bound for Edo State.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the success was achieved by the operatives of the ‘C’ Division Asaba, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, through intelligence-led policing.
Giving details of the arrest, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Sunday, October 19, said that the operatives, while conducting routine surveillance and stop-and-search operations at the Head Bridge, Asaba, on Thursday, October 16, at about 12a.m., flagged down a Toyota Hiace (Hummer) Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by one Ozoemenam Sylvanus.
He said that the driver, who appeared uneasy during questioning, drew the suspicion of the officers who proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle.
Their instinct was said to have paid off, as 400 live cartridges were discovered carefully concealed within the bus.
“The suspect initially told a lie that the parcel contained padlocks, but was speechless when it was opened and the true content was seen.
“He was immediately arrested and the exhibit recovered. Investigation to unravel the source, and criminal network behind the illegal arms movement is ongoing,” the police image maker stated.
In an earlier operation, on Friday, October 10, at about 8:45p.m., operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested one Onos Afokoghene, aged 37, alleged of being a notorious drug dealer known for distributing large quantities of hard drugs within Warri and adjoining communities.
The PPRO said that the arrest was sequel to a tip-off received by the Divisional Police Officer, Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Oboware.
The DPO had led his patrol teams to the identified flashpoint in Jeddo Community, where Afokoghene and other suspected hoodlums were reportedly engaged in selling and consuming illicit substances.
Edafe said: “Sensing the approach of the police, the suspects attempted to flee, but the team swiftly closed in and arrested the suspect, Onos Afokoghene, after a brief pursuit.
“A thorough search of the scene led to a startling discovery of illicit substances and paraphernalia used in large-scale drug sales.
“Exhibits recovered include the following: 3kg of Canadian Loud; 10kg of cannabis; 24 litres of weed suspected to be cannabis soaked in dry gin (locally known as ‘monkey tail’); several sachets of Tramadol of various milligrams; and two Points of Sale (POS) machines suspected of being used for drug sales.
“The suspect is currently in custody while investigation continues to uncover his network of distributors and buyers.”
Commenting on the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, reiterated that the safety and security of residents remain a top priority, as he called on residents to continue partnering with the Police by providing timely and credible information that would assist in detecting, preventing, and combating crime in all its forms.
