Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspected Drug Dealer, Recover Large Quantities of Indian Hemp

Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspected Drug Dealer, Recover Large Quantities of Indian Hemp
The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities with the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and the recovery of large quantities of substances believed to be Indian hemp.
This was contained in a statement issued to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John. According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m. following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Command.
The statement explained that the Police received information that a suspected drug trafficker was transporting bags containing illicit substances from Atabong Park to Esit Eket. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Command deployed a crack surveillance and stop-and-search team to intercept the suspect along the route.
Police operatives subsequently arrested one Asuquo Etim, a 63-year-old man from Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area. A thorough search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two large bags containing substances strongly suspected to be Indian hemp.
Preliminary investigations by the Police further revealed that the recovered substances were allegedly handed over to the suspect by a serving soldier for onward delivery and sale at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area. The Command disclosed that discreet investigations had already commenced to unravel the full network behind the illicit drug supply chain and apprehend other accomplices connected to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the aggressive crackdown on criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the state.
CP Azare warned individuals involved in drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises to desist from such activities or be ready to face the full weight of the law. He stressed that Akwa Ibom State would remain hostile to criminals and their collaborators.
The Police Command also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations against criminality across the state.