The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected tricycle thieves and another suspect found in possession of a substance suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”, in separate operations across the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who said the arrests were made through intelligence-led investigations and coordinated raid operations.

According to the statement, the first operation followed a report by a resident of Afaha Itam in Itu Local Government Area, whose TVS tricycle bearing registration number AFG 094 WZ was stolen from his residence by unknown persons.

The police said operatives immediately launched an investigation and deployed surveillance teams to strategic tricycle parks and loading points within and outside the area.

The effort led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Dominic Edet and the recovery of the stolen tricycle, which was valued at about N1 million at the time of purchase.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of another suspect, Asuquo Etim, who allegedly bought the stolen tricycle from a yet-to-be-identified individual currently on the run.

Preliminary findings indicated that the tricycle was sold for N1.8 million.

In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Idorenyin Akpan, during a raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ikot Ekwere Ubium Village.

The command said a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of one wrap of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”, a toy revolver pistol, a hammer and a pair of pliers.

Other items recovered included a small clay pot containing materials suspected to be fetish objects, a rubber container, a bottle containing a liquid substance believed to be used for ritualistic “body protection”, and an animal horn.

The police explained that the raid formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen stop-and-search operations and crack down on criminal activities across identified black spots in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication to duty.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

Azare also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing crime-fighting efforts across the state.