Police bust drug cartel in Delta, recover 21 bags of Indian hemp

August 9, 2026 3:13 pm

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Bright Edafe. Photo: File

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Bright Edafe. Photo: File

By  Dele Ogunyemi

Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Delta State Police Command have busted a suspected drug cartel and recovered 21 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

Edafe said the operation followed the crime-fighting initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

“On 8th August 2026, the Command’s VCRU operatives, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, carried out an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Owa-Abbi in Ukwani Local Government Area.

“During the operation, Lucky Oyiboka, 56, was arrested, while a thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of 21 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp,” the statement partly read.

The police spokesman said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs.

He explained, “Investigation has been intensified to determine the extent of the illicit drug network and identify other persons connected to the operation. The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the commitment of the command to “intelligence-led policing and sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and curbing the proliferation of illicit drugs across the state.”

He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, assuring that “the identities of informants will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”

Dele Ogunyemi

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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