Police Bust Illicit Drug Cartel, Arrest Ring Leader In Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have dismantled a suspected drug cartel operating from a criminal hideout in Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area, arresting a suspected ring leader and recovering stolen property and illicit substances.

The operation was carried out under the Command’s ongoing Operation Zero Black Spots Initiative (OBSI) following credible intelligence on drug trafficking, vandalism and storage of stolen goods in the area.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, officers stormed the location and arrested one Ofonime Etim, believed to be a key figure in the criminal network.

Items recovered from the premises include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, rolling papers, axes, machetes, vandalized electrical cables, roofing sheets, aluminium windows, cartons of assorted provisions and beverages, illicit gin, a submersible water pump, and several electronic appliances suspected to be stolen.

The police said the Village Chairman of Ikot Ebom Itam identified the recovered submersible water pump as property stolen from the community’s village hall borehole facility. The suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the item during interrogation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the location served both as a drug distribution hub and a storage point for stolen items linked to multiple criminal activities in the area.

Police added that efforts were ongoing to identify owners of the recovered items, trace additional victims, and arrest other members of the syndicate.

Following the operation, the drug den was demolished, while residents reportedly commended the police for dismantling what they described as a long-standing criminal enclave threatening community safety.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations against drug traffickers, cultists and vandals across the state.

He warned that Akwa Ibom would remain unsafe for criminal elements, adding that security operations would continue to target identified black spots across the state.

The police said the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.