Soldiers of the 144 Battalion in Abia state have arrested 7 drug dealers at a hideout in Ntigha Umukalu Community, Isiala Ngwa North local government area.
A huge cache of hard drug including cocaine and over 51 handsets was recovered from the hideout while the drug kingpin escaped as the soldier arrived the area.
A soldier at the unit who pleaded anonymity told journalists that the suspects confessed that the handsets found with them belonged to drug addicts who offered the handsets in exchange for drugs.
According to the soldier, “Before we got to the community, the drug kingpin who owns the den has escaped, but we will arrest him no matter how far he runs. The suspects confirmed to us that they did not steal the handsets, that they belonged to their customers who when they ran out of money to buy drugs, offer their property in exchange for drugs. “
He said the suspects have been handed over to the Abia state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Aba.
Commander of the 144 Brigade, identified as Lt. Col. Sidi was said to be in a meeting when our correspondent called to get his reaction on the arrest.
