Police catch suspected drug dealer, recover stolen items in Akwa Ibom

Officers from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected drug dealer, Ofonime Etim. This happened after they took down a well-known drug hideout in a new push against crime in the state.

A statement from the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Wednesday, said the suspect was caught in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area. They also recovered stolen items, including various drugs, during the operation.

John said the police acted on intelligence and carried out a planned operation. They targeted a place believed to be a safe spot for drug dealers, receivers of stolen goods, vandals, and other criminals troubling the residents.

"The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made another important progress in its ongoing fight against crime. They successfully took down a known drug hideout, recovered suspected stolen items, and arrested a suspected drug dealer in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area.

"Based on reliable information, the command's officers conducted a planned operation to target a place believed to be a safe spot for drug dealers, receivers of stolen goods, vandals, and other criminals who have been disturbing the community.

"During the operation, one suspect, Ofonime Etim, a male from Ikot Ebom Itam, was arrested. A thorough search of the place led to the recovery of large amounts of substances believed to be Indian hemp, many packets of rolling papers (rizlers), axes, machetes, vandalized electrical wires, bundles of roofing sheets, aluminum windows, cartons of various provisions and drinks, cartons of sachet illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic and electrical appliances suspected to be stolen property," the statement partly says.

The statement mentioned that community members praised the police for their professionalism. They noted that the suspect and his gang had been a serious threat to public safety in the area.

The statement added, "Residents of the community praised the police for the successful operation. They noted that the activities of the suspect and his associates had long posed a serious threat to public safety and security in the area."

The command's spokesperson also shared that the village council chairman had identified the recovered items. He pointed out that the submersible water pump belonged to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had been reported stolen earlier.

While revealing that the suspect admitted to stealing the pump, he said initial investigations showed that the location used to be a major hub for illicit drugs and a storage spot for suspected stolen items.

"During the operation, the Village Chairman, whose name is not disclosed, positively identified the recovered submersible water pump as belonging to the Ikot Ebom Itam Village Hall borehole facility, which had been reported stolen. When questioned, the suspect confessed to taking the pump from the community facility.

"Initial investigations suggest that the premises served as a major distribution point for illicit drugs and as a storage place for suspected stolen items. More investigations are ongoing to identify the owners of the recovered items, trace more victims, and catch other members of the criminal network involved in the operation."

The police also said the suspect will be charged in court once investigations are complete. John stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command's strong commitment to removing drug traffickers, vandals, and cultists from the state, assuring the public that Operation Zero Black Spots remains active and effective.