The arrested suspect
Abia State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious drug dealer during an intelligence-led operation in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, recovering large quantities of substances suspected to be cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis and other hard drugs.
The suspect, identified as Prince Chukwudi Eguzouwa, 49, of Ahiabubi community in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, has been arraigned in court and remanded in a correctional facility after the conclusion of police investigations.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the arrest followed a coordinated raid carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Response Unit and Anti-Cultism Unit.
The operation, conducted on September 18, was based on actionable intelligence and formed part of the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, to intensify intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts across the state.
Police said the operation also aligns with the policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, which focuses on intelligence gathering to tackle crime and improve public safety.
During the raid, officers recovered bags containing substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, “Scottish Loud,” Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and other hard drugs.
The Command said the suspect was charged to court on September 22 after investigations were concluded, and the court ordered that he be remanded pending further legal proceedings.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve to tackle crime, the Commissioner of Police said security operatives would continue to target criminal networks operating in the state.
> “The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reiterates the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and warns all criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, as Abia State will no longer be a safe haven for criminal activities.”
The Abia State Police Command said intelligence-led operations against criminal hideouts, cult groups, drug traffickers and other violent offenders will continue as part of efforts to improve security, protect lives and property, and ensure residents live in a safe environment.
Police added that the recovered substances are suspected hard drugs, and their exact composition will be determined through the appropriate forensic and judicial processes as the case progresses.
