The police command in Akwa Ibom State has raided a suspected criminal hideout at Mbak Itam in the Itu Local Government Area of the state and arrested five suspects.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

Ms John said operatives of the command on Tuesday at about 1600hrs conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang in Itu LGA.

She said during the operation, five suspects believed to be involved in the illicit distribution and sale of controlled substances were arrested, while several others fled.

”Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol, loud, Ice and ₦42,000.00 cash suspected to be proceeds connected to the illicit drug trade,” she said.

The police spokesperson said the ongoing zero black spot initiative by the command aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling locations being used to facilitate criminal activities in the state.

She said the command would continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminals, particularly those who exploit isolated locations as bases for drug trafficking, cultism and other violent crimes.

The PPRO called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information that would assist the police in preventing and detecting crime.

(NAN)