By OBINNA UNAEZE

The Police Command in Anambra has arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered suspected illicit drugs worth ₦6.2 million in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

Police also recovered ₦598,400 cash during the operation carried out by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka.

Ikenga said the operation followed directives by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on sustained intelligence-led operations against criminal networks nationwide.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, had intensified efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and operational bases across Anambra.

“Following credible intelligence on suspected illicit drug dealers operating in Obosi, operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout and arrested two male suspects,” Ikenga said.

The police identified the suspects as Nzube Onyedikachukwu, also known as Onyeoma, 47, and Ugochukwu Azia, 20.

According to Ikenga, a search of the hideout yielded substantial quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.

He said the recovered substances were estimated to be worth about ₦6.2 million, while cash amounting to ₦598,400 was also seized.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs,” the police spokesman said.

Ikenga added that investigators believed the location served as a gathering point for suspected criminals after carrying out unlawful activities.

He said some suspected criminal elements fled the area immediately they sighted the approaching police operatives.

The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigators work to establish the source and distribution network of the suspected drugs.

Police are also seeking to identify other individuals connected to the operation and determine the circumstances surrounding the recovered cash.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led raids and targeted operations aimed at denying criminals safe havens across the state.

“We will sustain intelligence-led raids, targeted operations and proactive policing to dismantle criminal hideouts across Anambra,” Ama said.

He urged residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide credible and timely information on suspicious activities and criminal hideouts.

According to him, public cooperation remains vital to ongoing efforts to improve security and curb criminal activities throughout the state. (NAN)

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