Troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Eastern Sanity on Tuesday, launched a “well coordinated raid ” at a Mammy market in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.
The raid followed alleged presence of crude oil bunkerers, illegal PMS dealers, pipeline vandals and illicit drug traffickers operating within the market and adjourning bushes.
During the raid, 21 suspected illicit drug traffickers were arrested.
The intelligence-based operation was carried out in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy Component and the Nigerian Air Force 511 Quick Response Group.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Abia State, Mazinho Attah.
Attah said upon arrival at the target area, troops swiftly cordoned off and searched the entire market as well as surrounding hideouts suspected to be criminal enclaves.
He noted that the intensive operation led to the arrest of 21 suspected illicit drug peddlers found in possession of large quantities of Indian hemp, rizzlers, suspected hard substances popularly known as “ice”, as well as the sum of N103,000.
“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing preliminary profiling and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
“Meanwhile, aggressive patrols and domination activities continue across the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” the statement said.
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