Police arrest 81, recover illicit drugs in Delta
July 25, 2026 5:52 pm
Some of the arrested suspects. Photo: Delta Police Command
A total of 81 suspected criminals have been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command during intelligence-led raids on identified criminal black spots within the Asaba metropolis.
The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.
He said the operation, which was carried out on July 24, 2026, formed part of the command’s proactive strategy to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe havens across the state.
Edafe said the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, alongside tactical teams of the command.
The statement read in part, “Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives raided identified criminal flashpoints, leading to the arrest of 81 suspects comprising 50 males and 31 females.
“The suspects were apprehended for offences including the sale and possession of suspected illicit drugs and the establishment of an illegal checkpoint at the Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge.
“Exhibits recovered during the operation include large quantities of Tramadol and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“The enforcement exercise also resulted in the impoundment of five vehicles for various violations, including operating an unauthorised taxi park at Pinnacle Junction along Okpanam Road and facilitating the sale and distribution of suspected illicit drugs within the area.
“The suspects and exhibits remain in police custody as investigations continue.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s “unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.”
The commissioner warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Dele Ogunyemi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 25 years of experience in media practice. He began his career at Radio Nigeria, Ikoyi, Lagos, and has since held editorial positions across several provincial and national newspapers. His work reflects extensive newsroom expertise and a long-standing commitment to professional journalism standards.
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