Thursday May 21, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Private Investigator and Security Evaluator
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 63-year-old man with bags containing substances suspected to be Indian Hemp.
This was disclosed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, in a Press Release on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
PPRO, Akwa Ibom State Police Command
According to the Press Release: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained war against illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the State with the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and the recovery of large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“On Wednesday, 20th May, 2026, at about 0930hrs, Operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, received information that a suspected drug trafficker was conveying bags of illicit substances from Atabong Park en route Esit Eket.
“Following the intelligence, the Command immediately mobilized a crack surveillance and stop-and-search team , where one Asuquo Etim, male, aged 63 years, of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, was intercepted and arrested.
“A thorough search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two large bags containing substances strongly suspected to be Indian hemp.
“Preliminary investigation further revealed that the recovered exhibits were allegedly handed over to the suspect by a serving soldier for onward delivery and sale at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area.
“The Command has commenced discreet investigations into the matter with a view to uncovering the full network behind the illicit drug supply chain and arrest all other accomplices connected to the crime.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the State.
“The CP further warned individuals involved in drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises to desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, stressing that Akwa Ibom State will remain hostile to criminals and their collaborators.
“The Command urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations against criminality in the State,” DSP John concluded.
