No fewer than 23 criminal suspects have been arrested with a stolen vehicle and large quantity of illicit drugs in multiple operations against crime across Delta State.
The major operational successes were reportedly recorded in the ongoing crackdown on crimes by the Delta State Police Command.
As contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the command had on Friday aided a suspected criminal hideout where the first 22 suspects were arrested.
The raid led to the recovery of large quantity of illicit drugs which include over 70 bottles of codeine, 11 packets of Tramadol, and Swinol amongst others.
“Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives of the Department of Operations, Buffalo Team, and Okpanam patrol teams on a raid of identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and brothels within the Okpanam axis and Asaba metropolis on 22 May 2026.
“The operation targeted locations around Hausa Market, Okpanam, where twenty-two (22) male suspects were arrested. Exhibits recovered include seventy-two (72) bottles of CSC Codeine, eleven (11) packets of Tramadol, quantities of Swinol, Canadian Loud, and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
“The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Special Enquiry Unit (SEU) for profiling and further investigation. Suspects found culpable will be prosecuted.” Edafe wrote.
In the same vein, a petition written to the command about a stolen truck led to the deployment of personnel who tracked down and recovered the stolen vehicle.
“Following a petition alleging the snatching of a trailer truck, stealing, and conspiracy, operatives of Operation Safe Delta tracked and recovered a stolen HOWO trailer truck with registration number KK/192 XA at Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.
“The vehicle has been recovered and towed to Asaba, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.” The statement read further.
Meanwhile, the last arrest was also recorded on Friday during a stop-and-search operation along Esisi Road, Warri.
According to Edafe, a search on a tricycle led to the recovery of 13 nylon bags suspected to be containing Indian hemp.
The suspected trafficker, a 57-year-old woman, was immediately arrested following the discovery.
“Operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri, on 22 May 2026, intercepted a tricycle during a stop-and-search operation along Esisi Road, Warri.
“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of thirteen (13) nylon bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“A 57-year-old female suspect was arrested in connection with the exhibit. Investigation is ongoing to determine the source and intended destination of the drugs.” Edafe wrote.
In his reaction to the development, the Delta Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, urged residents to continue supporting the Police with credible information.
Oyeniyi assured that all suspects found culpable will be brought to justice.