By Uko Etim
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have arrest of 23 suspects and seized a large quantities of suspected illicit drugs during a coordinated raid at Ibaka Fishing Port in Mbo Local Government Area of the State.
The operation, carried out between 9:40 p.m. on February 5 and 12:15 a.m. on February 6, 2025, targeted identified criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John on Sunday in Uyo.
According to the statement, recovered exhibits include dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, chemically enhanced variants of suspected Indian hemp, illicit locally brewed drinks, and containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.
The statement added that investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other individuals connected to the drug network.
The statement reads, “Between 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, and 12:15 a.m. of Thursday, 6th February 2025, operatives of the Command, acting on credible information, carried out a strategic night operation targeting criminal hideouts within the Ibaka axis.
”During the raid, operatives searched several identified black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port, leading to the arrest of one Sampson Newstyle ‘M’, one Godgift Benabinte ‘M’, one Michael Asukwo ‘M’, one Prince Ene ‘M’, One Goodnews Asukwo ‘M’, One Golden Edu ‘M’
And 17 other suspect.
”Exhibits recovered during the operation include: •Large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp:
•Chemically enhanced variants of suspected Indian hemp
•Illicit locally brewed drinks
•Containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs.
”Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to identify other individuals connected to the drug network operating within the area.
”The Command assures members of the public that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance in place to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.
”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against drug abuse, trafficking, and criminality, and warns all criminal elements that sustained intelligence-led operations will continue across the State until all black spots are dismantled,” it added.
