The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and recovered large quantities of hard drugs during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stating that the operations were part of efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in Delta State.

In one operation carried out on June 3, operatives of the Special Enquiry Unit intercepted a Mercedes truck with registration number KRV 837 ZN at the First Niger Bridge Head, inward Asaba.

The truck driver, identified as Obinna Nwosu, 47, from Anambra State, reportedly claimed he was transporting plumbing materials.

However, a search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs concealed inside the truck.

Police said the recovered items included 13,000 sachets of 100mg Tramadol, 100 sachets of 225mg Tramadol, 100 sachets of Swinol, 300 sachets of Rohypnol, 60 sachets of Codeine Phosphate tablets, and 100 tablets of MDMA, popularly known as “Molly.”

The suspect was taken into custody while investigations continue to identify other members of the trafficking network.

In another operation on the same day, operatives of the Command Anti-Vice Squad raided a suspected drug distribution centre at Alegbo Community in Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area.

Two suspects, Henry Edward and Okwudili Kingsley, were arrested during the raid.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly operating a local drug distribution network within the area.

Recovered from them were five gallons of fermented cannabis mixture, commonly known as “Monkey Tail,” along with other suspected illicit substances.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operations and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and organised crime.

He warned that illicit drugs continue to fuel crimes such as cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent offences.

The police also urged residents to support security agencies by providing useful information that could help dismantle criminal networks in the state.