The Delta State Police Command has intercepted 1,520 packets of suspected illicit drugs and arrested three alleged traffickers, alongside a suspected armed robber, in separate operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the arrests were carried out during intelligence-led operations by the Eagle Net Special Squad and the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team along the Benin–Asaba Expressway and within Warri metropolis.

He identified the drug suspects as Peter Etim Akpan, 47, alleged owner of the consignment; Ebuka Dominion, 30, a driver from Anambra State; and Emmanuel Terdule, 30, a motor boy from Benue State.

Edafe said operatives on stop-and-search duty near Northwest Filling Station along the Benin–Asaba Expressway in Agbor intercepted a white J5 commercial bus conveying the suspected narcotics. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 1,520 packets of Tramadol and Swinol tablets concealed beneath industrial machines.

He said preliminary investigation indicated that the drugs were meant for distribution within and outside the state. Interrogation of the suspects reportedly began on February 13 at about 10:30 p.m., leading to further intelligence. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the trafficking network.

In a separate operation on February 22, operatives arrested Collins Darlington, 23, in Ughelli over alleged involvement in a series of robberies in Warri.

According to Edafe, the suspect led officers to a bush in the Jedo area of Warri, where a locally fabricated gun was recovered.

He added that the suspect confessed to being a member of the Aye confraternity and admitted participating in door-to-door robbery attacks in the Warri axis. Police said investigations were ongoing to arrest other suspected gang members. (Guardian))