By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old suspected drug dealer, Chinedu Nwankwo, and recovered a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine and Colorado, popularly known as Colos, estimated to be worth ₦5.8 million.
The arrest, according to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was made in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, by operatives of the Rapid Response Team during an intelligence-driven patrol operation along the Nteje–Otuocha Road.
The Police spokesman said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was allegedly conveying the substances to Otuocha, Anyamelum, Nzam, Umuleri and Aguleri areas for delivery to suspected criminal elements.
SP Ikenga further disclosed that investigators were also examining the alleged connection between the recovered consignments and activities capable of disrupting the ongoing Local Government Council elections in the state.
According to the Police Command, the suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in custody, while investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of his alleged activities and identify other persons who may be connected to the suspected drug network.
In his reaction, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, according to the press statement, commended the operatives for their vigilance and sustained patrols, particularly at a time the state is conducting its Local Government Council elections.
The CP noted that illicit drugs could fuel criminality, explaining that drug trafficking and abuse may provide resources for criminal activities and embolden individuals involved in violent and other forms of crime.
He therefore charged officers and operatives of the Command to sustain intelligence-led operations and targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts and other locations of interest across the state to prevent criminal activities and nip them in the bud.
According to SP Ikenga, the Police Command would continue to collaborate with other security agencies in intensifying the operations, while reassuring residents of its commitment to maintaining public safety and protecting the integrity of the electoral process across Anambra State.
