Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a 56-year-old man and recovered 21 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp during an intelligence-led raid in Owa-Abbi, Ukwani Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 8, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Warri.
According to him, the operatives acted on credible and actionable intelligence before raiding a suspected criminal hideout in the community.
During the operation, the police arrested a suspect identified as Lucky Oyiboka, 56.
A search of the premises allegedly led to the recovery of 21 bags containing weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
Edafe said preliminary investigation indicated that Oyiboka was allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs.
He added that investigators had intensified efforts to establish the extent of the alleged drug network and identify other persons who may have been involved.
“The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the police spokesman said.
The command did not disclose the estimated weight or street value of the recovered substance.
It also described the material as weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, meaning the nature of the substance remains subject to the investigation and evidentiary process.
The arrest comes as the Delta Police Command continues to intensify intelligence-led operations against criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has repeatedly directed officers and recognised security partners to strengthen intelligence gathering and community cooperation as part of efforts to prevent and disrupt crime.
The command’s security engagements have also identified drug abuse, cultism and kidnapping among concerns requiring closer cooperation between security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
Oyeniyi has urged residents to provide credible information that could assist the police in identifying criminal networks and disrupting their activities.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and curbing the proliferation of illicit drugs across Delta State.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to support the command with timely intelligence, assuring residents that the identities of informants would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Investigators are now expected to determine whether Oyiboka allegedly operated alone or was connected to a wider distribution network.
The suspect remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
