The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of running a hideout for hard and illicit drugs in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, police operatives recovered substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs estimated at ₦6.2 million, alongside ₦598,400 in cash, during a raid on the location.
Ikenga said operatives from the command’s Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, conducted the operation in the early hours of Tuesday, leading to the arrest of Nzube Onyedikachukwu, also known as “Onyeoma,” 47, and Ugochukwu Azia, 20.
He said the operation was carried out as part of efforts to implement the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
The statement read in part, “In furtherance of the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on sustained intelligence-led operations and the dismantling of criminal hideouts across the country, the Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, has intensified operations against criminal elements and their operational bases across the State.
“Consequently, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected illicit drug dealers operating in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, operatives of the Command, attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, in the early hours of Tuesday, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Obosi and arrested two male suspects identified as Nzube Onyedikachukwu, alias “Onyeoma,” aged 47 years, and Ugochukwu Azia, aged 20 years.
“A search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs valued at ₦6.2 million, as well as the sum of ₦598,400 in cash.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, while the location is being used as a gathering point by suspected criminal elements after carrying out their operations. Some of the suspected criminals reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the Police.
“The suspects are currently in Police custody, while investigation has commenced to establish the source and distribution network of the suspected illicit drugs, identify other persons connected to the operation and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the cash recovered.”
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to continuing intelligence-driven raids, targeted operations and proactive policing to dismantle criminal hideouts and prevent criminals from establishing safe havens across the state.
The commissioner also called on residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to continue providing the police with reliable and timely information about suspicious individuals, criminal activities and known criminal hideouts.