Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two suspects, including a 17-year-old, for alleged drug trafficking along Ikare Junction in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Usman Muhammad, 17, and Usman Bashir, 27, both natives of Kaduna State, were reportedly apprehended while transporting 51 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Each bag is said to weigh approximately 9kg.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued in Akure on Sunday.
He noted that the operation was carried out in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to intensify the fight against drug trafficking and dismantle criminal networks nationwide.
“In strict compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, officers have intensified intelligence-led operations targeting criminal financiers and drug peddlers who fuel cult-related violence and other crimes,” the statement read.
Olayinka explained that operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) carried out the operation on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, around 9:50 a.m., acting on credible intelligence.
“The 51 bags of suspected Indian hemp have been recovered and secured as exhibits. The suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider criminal network responsible for the trafficking of these illicit substances,” he added.
The police assured residents of the state of their commitment to ensuring public safety by cracking down on drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
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