By Deborah Nnamdi
The Delta State Police Command has intercepted 400 live cartridges and arrested a suspected drug baron in separate operations across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Asaba, noting that the Command, under Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, has intensified proactive operations against criminal elements.
According to Edafe, operatives of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, intercepted the ammunition during a routine stop-and-search operation at the Head Bridge, Asaba.
He said the officers flagged down a Toyota Hiace Hummer bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by one Ozoemenam Sylvanus, who appeared uneasy during questioning. A search of the vehicle uncovered 400 live cartridges concealed within the bus.
“The suspect initially claimed the parcels contained padlocks but was speechless when the true contents were revealed. He was immediately arrested, and the exhibits recovered,” Edafe stated, adding that an investigation is ongoing to uncover the source and destination of the ammunition.
In a related development, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested a notorious drug dealer, Onos Afokoghene, aged 37, who was reportedly behind the distribution of large quantities of hard drugs in Warri and neighbouring communities.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Paul Oboware, led a team to a flashpoint in the Jeddo community, where Afokoghene and other suspects were engaged in drug sales. The suspect was apprehended after attempting to flee during the police raid.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian Hemp, 24 litres of soaked weed, several sachets of Tramadol, and two POS machines suspected to have been used for drug transactions.
Edafe said the Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing criminal activities across Delta State.
