By Bina Susan
National News – The Delta State Police Command has arrested 81 suspected criminals during a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Asaba, the state capital.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the operation was carried out on Friday as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate safe havens for offenders across the state.
According to Edafe, the raid was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, alongside tactical teams of the command.
He said the operation followed credible intelligence, leading security operatives to several criminal flashpoints where 81 suspects, comprising 50 males and 31 females, were arrested.
The police said the suspects were apprehended for offences including the possession and sale of suspected illicit drugs, as well as operating an illegal checkpoint at the Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge.
Items recovered during the operation included large quantities of Tramadol and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The command also impounded five vehicles for various offences, including operating an unauthorised taxi park at Pinnacle Junction along Okpanam Road and allegedly facilitating the sale and distribution of suspected illicit drugs in the area.
Police said investigations are ongoing and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at improving public safety and tackling crime across Delta State.
