The police command in Anambra arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered illicit drugs worth ₦6.2 million in Obosi, Idemili North council area.

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

The command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka.

Mr Ikenga said the operation followed directives from the inspector-general of police, Olatunji Disu, for sustained intelligence-led operations against criminal networks nationwide.

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

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

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

He said the recovered substances were estimated at ₦6.2 million, while cash of ₦598,400 was also seized.

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

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

He said some suspected criminal elements fled immediately upon sighting the 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 source of the recovered cash.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner, Nnanna Ama, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led raids and targeted operations across the state.

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

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

He said public cooperation remains vital to ongoing efforts to improve security and curb criminal activities throughout the state.

(NAN)