BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on illicit drug trafficking and criminal activities with the arrest of a 63-year-old suspected drug trafficker and the recovery of a large cache of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect, identified as Asuquo Etim, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Command on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Command disclosed that the operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating that a suspected drug dealer was transporting bags of illicit substances from Atabong Park to Esit Eket Local Government Area.
According to the statement, at about 9:30 a.m., a specially deployed surveillance and stop-and-search team intercepted the suspect, who hails from Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area.
A thorough search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of two large bags containing substances strongly suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Police further revealed that preliminary investigations suggested the recovered substances were allegedly handed over to the suspect by a serving soldier for onward delivery and distribution at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area.
The Command stated that discreet investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the illicit drug supply chain and apprehend other accomplices connected to the operation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained offensives against criminal elements threatening public peace and security in the state.
The Police Commissioner warned individuals involved in drug trafficking and related criminal activities to desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, stressing that Akwa Ibom State would remain hostile to criminals and their collaborators.
He also urged residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state. (Source, Harrison Essien).
