The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected drug traffickers, including a 17-year-old boy, during a security operation at Ikare Junction in Owo.

The suspects, identified as Usman Muhammad (17) and Usman Bashir (27), both from Kaduna State, were intercepted while allegedly transporting 51 bags of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp. Each bag reportedly weighs around 9 kilograms.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, the arrests were made on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, around 9:50 a.m., by operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), following actionable intelligence.

Olayinka stated that the operation was in line with a nationwide directive from the Inspector-General of Police aimed at tackling drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks that fuel cultism and other crimes.

“The 51 bags of suspected Indian hemp have been recovered and secured as evidence,” he said, adding that the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to trace the broader syndicate involved.

Commending the swift operation, the Commissioner of Police emphasized the Command’s unwavering commitment to rooting out drug cartels and maintaining public safety across the state.