UPDATED: Delta Raid: Police Smash Criminal Dens, 23 Nabbed, Howo Trailer Recovered

The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on crime, arresting 23 suspects in separate operations.

The police, also recovered a stolen HOWO trailer truck, and seized a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs across the state.

Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement, on Saturday May 23, said that the arrest followed a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts and black spots in the Okpanam axis and Asaba metropolis.

He said that the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police.

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Suspect and items recovered

The raid, carried out on May 22, targeted notorious flashpoints around Hausa Market, Okpanam, where officers recovered 72 bottles of CSC Codeine, 11 packets of Tramadol, as well as quantities of Swinol, Canadian Loud, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

‎Police said the suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Special Enquiry Unit (SEU) for profiling and further investigation ongoing, with assurances that those found culpable will face prosecution. he stated.

In another operation, operatives of Operation Safe Delta successfully tracked and recovered a stolen HOWO trailer truck with registration number KK/192 XA in Ifite-Awka, Anambra State, following a petition alleging snatching, stealing, and conspiracy.

The recovered truck has since been towed to Asaba, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, Edafe said.

‎Meanwhile, the operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) in Warri intercepted a tricycle during a stop-and-search exercise along Esisi Road, leading to the arrest of a 57 year old female suspect allegedly found with 13 nylon bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Furthermore,‎ the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended residents for their support and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to aid ongoing crime-fighting efforts, assuring that all suspects found guilty would be brought to justice.