Police Nab 4 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Seize Large Cannabis Consignments In Akwa Ibom

Anti-drugs operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have intensified raiding of bases used for packaging and trafficking of Illicit drugs and other stimulants.

They arrested four ring leaders and seized large consignments of cannabis worth millions of naira.
The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, told journalists at the state headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the state capital that the raids were carried out in Uyo and Essien Udim local government areas.

The raids followed the directive by the commissioner of police (CP), Baba Azare, based on credible intelligence volunteered by concerned local residents.

“In line with the directive of the commissioner of police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, for the total dismantling of criminal hideouts and elimination of identified black spots across the state, operatives have recorded further breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspects and recovery of large quantities of illicit substances suspected to be cannabis,” she said.

DSP John, recalled that the storming of the locations took place on 5th September, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., explaining that “operatives of the Command acting swiftly on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout along Aka-Etinan Road, Uyo LGA,” leading to the arrest of one Inemesit Ekpeyong, male, aged 25 years, in possession of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Besides, she added that in a separate but coordinated operation, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit raided another suspected criminal hideout at Midim Nto Udo Village, Essien Udim LGA, ‘”following intelligence that the location was being used for the alleged sale and consumption of illicit drugs and other activities capable of threatening public peace and security.”

DSP John, listed the arrested suspects to include Mandu John (female), Ubong John and Ekemini John, all male accomplices, adding that large quantities of substances suspected to be marijuana were equally recovered during the raid.

She vowed that those arrested would be made to pass through diligent investigation and prosecution as directed by CP Azare.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a thorough investigation into the activities of all the suspects, including efforts to identify their sources of supply, possible accomplices, and wider criminal networks connected to the recovered substances.

“The exhibits will also be subjected to the appropriate evidential and forensic procedures, while suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The CP has warned that the Command would not allow any part of Akwa Ibom State to become a safe haven for drug dealers, cultists, violent criminals, or persons whose activities endanger the lives and well-being of law-abiding citizens.

“The CP further directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units across the State to sustain intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts, drug joints, and other black spots, stressing that the ongoing operation is aimed at denying criminals the space and opportunity to operate.

“He assured residents that the current crackdown will be sustained across the State, adding that anyone engaged in the sale, distribution, or facilitation of illicit drugs and other criminal activities should desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

The CP also urged members of the public to continue supporting the Command with credible and timely information, assuring informants of utmost confidentiality and reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security throughout Akwa Ibom State,” DSP John stressed.