Police arrest suspected drug baron, recover stolen items in A’Ibom

Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected drug baron, one Ofonime Etim, after dismantling a notorious drug bunk 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 suspect was arrested in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area of the state while stolen property including assorted drugs were recovered in the operation. According to John, the operatives acting on intelligence conducted a coordinated intelligence-led operation, targeting a criminal enclave suspected to have been a haven for drug traffickers and receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements terrorizing residents of the area. “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. “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal enclave believed to have served as a haven for drug traffickers, receivers of stolen property, vandals, and other criminal elements who had been terrorizing residents of the area. “During the operation, one suspect, Ofonime Etim, male, of Ikot Ebom Itam, was arrested. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, numerous packets of rolling papers (rizlers), axes, machetes, vandalized electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminum windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, cartons of sachet illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances reasonably suspected to be stolen property,” the statement reads in part Meanwhile, the statement said Community members have commended the police for their professionalism, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area. Related News Police seek 20% pension contribution from FG Police refute viral video claims of terrorists in Ogbomoso Osun shootings: Police begin probe, beef up security The statement added, “Residents of the community commended the Police for the successful operation, noting that the activities of the suspect and his associates had long posed a serious threat to public safet