By Attah Ede
Police in Anambra State have apprehended a 28-year-old suspected drug dealer, identified as Chinedu Nwankwo, and recovered illicit drugs valued at N5.8 million along the Nteje–Otuocha Road.
The State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Awka.
According to him, the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Team during an intelligence-driven patrol operation in the area.
The police said the operatives recovered a large quantity of suspected Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine, and Colorado, also known as “Colos,” from the suspect.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect was allegedly conveying the illicit substances to Otuocha, Anyamelum, Nzam, Umuleri, and Aguleri areas for delivery to suspected criminal elements,” Ikenga stated.
“Investigators are also examining the alleged connection of the consignments with activities capable of disrupting the ongoing Local Government Council elections in the state.
“The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged network.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the officers involved in the operation, particularly for sustaining vigilance and patrols during the election period.
Ama warned that illicit drugs could contribute to criminal activities, noting that drug trafficking and abuse could provide resources and embolden individuals involved in violent and other forms of crime.
The Commissioner directed officers to sustain intelligence-led operations and targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts and other locations of interest across the state.
He said the operations would be carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies to prevent criminal activities and “nip them in the bud.”
The Command also assured residents that it remained committed to maintaining public safety and protecting the integrity of the electoral process throughout Anambra State.
Ikenga said the suspect would remain in police custody as investigations continue.
