UYO -The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended four persons and recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
One of the suspects, Inemesit Ekpeyong, a male aged 25 was picked at a criminal hideout along Aka Etinan road in the Uyo Metropolis, while the three others; Ubong John and Ekemine John, all males ,as well as Mandu John, a female were arrested at Mnideim Nto Udo Village in Essien Udom Local Government Area.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John said Ekpeyong was apprehended on September 5, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., when operatives of the Command acting swiftly on credible intelligence, stormed his hideout .
“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp,” the statement said.
The statement further made known that the threesome at Essien Udim ,were rounded up in a separate but coordinated operation by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit, following intelligence that the location was being used for the alleged sale and consumption of illicit drugs and other activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
Large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were equally recovered during the raid.
The Commissioner of Police, CC Baba Azare has directed a thorough investigation into the activities of all the suspects, including efforts to identify their sources of supply, possible accomplices, and wider criminal networks connected to the recovered substances.
“The exhibits will also be subjected to the appropriate evidential and forensic procedures, while suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the Command stated.
Azare warned that the Command will not allow any part of Akwa Ibom to become a safe haven for drug dealers, cultists, violent criminals, or persons whose activities endanger the lives and well-being of law-abiding citizens.
He further directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units across the state to sustain intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts, drug joints, and other black spots, stressing that the ongoing operation is aimed at denying criminals the space and opportunity to operate.
Azare assured residents that the current crackdown will be sustained across the State, adding that anyone engaged in the sale, distribution, or facilitation of illicit drugs and other criminal activities should desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police also urged members of the public to continue supporting the Command with credible and timely information, assuring informants of utmost confidentiality and reaffirming the Command’s unwavering “commitment to protecting lives and property”, and maintaining peace and security throughout Akwa Ibom.