The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said its operatives have arrested a suspected drug baron, Ofonime Etim, in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area of the state, after dismantling a notorious drug den in a renewed offensive against criminal elements in the state.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Wednesday, said the operatives, acting on intelligence, conducted a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal enclave suspected of being a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements terrorising residents of the area.
According to the statement, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against criminal elements, with the successful dismantling of a notorious drug bunk, recovery of suspected stolen property, and arrest of a suspected drug baron in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of Ofonime Etim, of Ikot Ebom Itam.
A thorough search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, numerous packets of rolling papers (rizlas), axes, machetes, vandalised electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminium windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, cartons of sachet illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances.
The statement further disclosed that the village council chairman identified the recovered property, noting that the submersible water pump belonged to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had earlier been reported stolen, while the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the pump from the community facility.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicated that the premises once functioned as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and a repository for suspected stolen items.
It said the suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
