••• Police Vow Crackdown on Drug Syndicates
By Our Correspondent – Akure
The Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday arrested two suspected drug traffickers along Ikare Junction in Owo with 51 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, weighing over 450kg.
The suspects — Usman Bashir, 27, and Usman Muhammad, 17 — both of Kaduna State, were nabbed during an early morning operation led by the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) of the Command.
Speaking to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, described the operation as “a significant breakthrough in our war against illicit drug distribution networks operating within and beyond the state.”
“The suspects were intercepted at exactly 0950hrs based on credible intelligence that had been under surveillance,” Olushola said.
“We recovered 51 large sacks of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Each bag weighs about 9kg. This seizure prevents a major volume of illegal drugs from hitting our communities.”
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators. The Command has launched a wider investigation aimed at dismantling the entire syndicate believed to be behind the operation.
“This is not just about the carriers. We are going after the financiers, the transport network, the distributors — everyone involved,” Olushola added.
“The Commissioner of Police has made it clear: there will be zero tolerance for drug-related crime in Ondo State.”
He further noted that the operation was in compliance with the renewed directive of the Inspector-General of Police to clamp down on organized crime and drug trafficking across the country.
“Drug trafficking fuels other crimes such as cultism and armed robbery. That’s why we’re tackling it head-on,” the PPRO said.
“The public can rest assured that we’re stepping up pressure on all criminal networks.”
Commissioner of Police for Ondo State, who was not named directly in the release, was quoted as commending the officers for their swift action and reiterating the force’s commitment to securing the state.
“This arrest sends a clear message: Ondo State is not a safe haven for drug peddlers and criminal gangs,” he said.
“Our operatives will be relentless in pursuing anyone who threatens the peace and wellbeing of our people.”
The suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded, police said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and assist law enforcement efforts. The Ondo Police Command can be reached on 07032358284, via X: @OndoPoliceNg, Instagram: ondopolicecommand, Facebook: Ondo Police Command, or email: ondopolice@gmail.com.
