Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected drug baron, one Ofonime Etim, after dismantling a notorious drug bunk in a renewed offensive against criminal elements in the state.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Wednesday, said the suspect was arrested in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area of the state while stolen property including assorted drugs were recovered in the operation.
According to John, the operatives acting on intelligence conducted a coordinated intelligence-led operation, targeting a criminal enclave suspected to have been a haven for drug traffickers and receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements terrorizing residents of the area.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against criminal elements, with the successful dismantling of a notorious drug bunk, recovery of suspected stolen property, and arrest of a suspected drug baron in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal enclave believed to have served as a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements who had been terrorizing residents of the area.
“During the operation, one suspect, Ofonime Etim, male, of Ikot Ebom Itam, was arrested. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, numerous packets of rolling papers (rizlers), axes, machetes, vandalized electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminum windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, cartons of sachet illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances reasonably suspected to be stolen property,” the statement reads in part
Meanwhile, the statement said Community members have commended the police for their professionalism, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area.
The statement added, “Residents of the community commended the Police for the successful operation, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had long posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area.”
The command spokesperson further disclosed that the village council chairman had identified the recovered property, noting that the submersible water pump belong to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had earlier been reported stolen
While disclosing that the suspect has confessed to stealing the pump from the community facility, he said preliminary investigations have indicated that the premises once functioned as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and a repository for suspected stolen items.
“In the course of the operation, the Village Chairman, whose identity is withheld, positively identified the recovered submersible water pump as property belonging to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had earlier been reported stolen. Upon interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to stealing the pump from the community facility.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the premises functioned as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and a repository for suspected stolen items. Further investigations are ongoing to identify owners of the recovered properties, trace additional victims, and apprehend other members of the criminal network connected to the operation.”
While noting that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, John said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the State of drug traffickers, vandals, cultists assuring members of the public that Operation Zero Black Spots remains active and effective.
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