The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of operating an illicit drug distribution hideout in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, recovering substances valued at about ₦6.2m and ₦598,400 in cash.
The suspects, identified as 47-year-old Nzube Onyedikachukwu, also known as “Onyeoma”, and 20-year-old Ugochukwu Azia, were arrested during a raid carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence on suspected illicit drug dealers operating in the community.
According to the command, the substances recovered included items suspected to be Cannabis sativa, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.
The police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs.
The location was also allegedly being used as a gathering point for suspected criminal elements after carrying out their activities.
Ikenga said some of the suspected criminals fled after sighting the police during the raid.
The two suspects are currently in police custody as investigators trace the source and distribution network of the suspected drugs.
The police are also working to identify other persons allegedly connected to the operation and establish the circumstances surrounding the cash recovered from the hideout.
The raid was carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on sustained intelligence-led operations and the dismantling of criminal hideouts across the country.
The Anambra Command said Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama had intensified operations against criminal elements and their operational bases since assuming office.
Ama said the command would continue with intelligence-led raids, targeted operations and proactive policing to deny criminals safe havens within the state.
He also urged residents and community stakeholders to assist the police by providing credible and timely information on suspicious persons, criminal activities and suspected hideouts.
The latest operation adds to law enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks in Anambra, particularly in communities around the Onitsha axis.
The police have not disclosed whether the suspected drugs have undergone laboratory analysis, and the allegations against the arrested men remain subject to investigation.
The command said the investigation would determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and whether other members of the alleged network are operating in the area.
Further arrests are possible as investigators work to establish the wider connections of the suspected drug operation.
