Police Arrest 23 Suspects, Seize Illicit Drugs in Akwa Ibom Raid
Police Arrest 23 Suspects, Seize Illicit Drugs in Akwa Ibom Raid
By đ¸bdulrazak Tomiwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully executed a targeted raid on notorious criminal hideouts located within the Ibaka Fishing Port in the Mbo Local Government Area. This operation was part of a broader strategy to sanitize the coastal communities and eliminate brewing grounds for violent crimes and drug-related offenses.
During the two-day tactical operation, police operatives apprehended 23 male suspects. These individuals were found within identified “black spots” that had reportedly become hubs for illicit activities, causing significant concern for the safety of residents and traders in the maritime sector.
The search of the premises led to the recovery of a substantial cache of illegal substances. Among the seized items were large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, various containers of locally brewed illicit gin, and several specialized devices used for inhaling and consuming hard drugs.
The commandâs Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the breakthrough in an official statement, saying, âThe Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major operational success following a coordinated raid of identified criminal black spots within Ibaka Fishing Port.â
Beyond the physical arrests, the police also uncovered chemically enhanced substances known locally as “combined,” which are often linked to increased aggression and criminal behavior. The removal of these drugs is seen as a vital step in preventing the escalation of cultism and sea piracy within the Mbo axis.
All 23 suspects are currently in police custody and are undergoing rigorous interrogation. Investigators are working to determine the extent of their involvement in wider criminal syndicates, while efforts are being intensified to track down the primary suppliers of the narcotics found at the scene.
The State Commissioner of Police has reiterated his commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug trafficking and violent crime. To sustain this momentum, the command has deployed additional patrol teams to the Ibaka shoreline to ensure that the criminal elements do not return to the area.
