The Anambra State Police Command have arrested three persons in separate operations over alleged armed robbery, drug peddling and cult-related offences, recovering a locally made pistol, ammunition, suspected cannabis and other items.

The arrests were made on June 19 by operatives of the command’s VCRU during patrol and intelligence-led operations in Awka North and Anaocha local government areas, police said.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said two of the suspects, Williams Ndifon and David Missang, both 27, were intercepted at about midday along the Igbariam-Achalla Road in Awka North.

The two men were riding on a Daylong motorcycle when operatives stopped and searched them, Ikenga said.

Items allegedly recovered from them included a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, six mobile phones, two power banks, a sledgehammer, a chisel believed to be a metal-breaking tool and the motorcycle.

Police also recovered substances suspected to be cannabis and a black polo shirt bearing the inscription, “Nigeria Army Barracks Youths Foundation.”

In another operation later that day, operatives acting on intelligence arrested a 21-year-old man, Oluchukwu Onyekwe, at about 6 p.m. in Agukwu Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area.

Ikenga said the suspect was allegedly found with a quantity of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis.

He added that initial investigations linked Onyekwe to suspected cult activities in the area.

The police said the suspect remained in custody as further interrogation and investigation continued.

The command appealed to members of the public to provide useful and prompt information to security agencies to support crime prevention and improve safety in communities across the state.