Police arrest five, recover N1.45m illicit drugs

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang and recovered large quantities of suspected illicit drugs valued at N1,450,000 during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The police also recovered a fake United States $100 note, vandalised electrical wires and N72,550 in cash during the operation.

In a press statement released on Friday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu carried out the operation on August 20.

Ikenga added that the operatives stormed the suspected criminal hideout located at Nawfia, Njikoka LGA, at about 12:48pm and arrested the five male suspects.

He listed items recovered from the suspects, including substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), Canadian Loud, Black Mamba, Colorado and Loud; vandalised electrical wires; N72,550 cash; and a suspected counterfeit United States $100 note.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang and recovered large quantities of suspected illicit drugs valued at N1,450,000, a fake United States $100 note, vandalised electrical wires and ₦72,550.00 in cash during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State.

“Five male suspects were arrested during the raid. They are: Omogo Obinna (29); Okechukwu Nwagba (28) Echezona Okonkwo (29) Awal Umar (23); and Ogadinma Boniface (33) years old.

Items recovered from the suspects include: substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), Canadian Loud, Black Mamba, Colorado and Loud of monetary as well as vandalised electrical wires, ₦72,550.00 cash, and a suspected counterfeit United States $100 note.”

According to him, preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a criminal network operating within the area.

He explained that the suspects had reportedly made useful statements to the police and mentioned the names of other alleged members of the gang.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for the successful operation and directed that the investigation be pursued thoroughly and professionally.

“He further ordered intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and ensure that all persons found to have participated in the criminal activities are brought to justice.

“The Command assures residents of its continued commitment to tackling drug-related crimes, vandalism and other forms of criminality across the State.

“Members of the public are equally encouraged to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police, as community cooperation remains vital to keeping Anambra safe,” the statement added